Outdoor > Culture & Context

WOMEN'S AID - HE'S COMING HOME

HOUSE 337, London / WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION / 2023

Awards:

Bronze Cannes Lions
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Case Film
Supporting Images
Supporting Images

Overview

Credits

Overview

Background:

Domestic abuse cases rise by up to 38% during major football events. So for 1.6 million women living with domestic abuse in the UK, the World Cup is a time of fear not celebration. And 2022 saw the first ever winter tournament. This was significant because the cold weather and dark nights meant more abusers would be at home rather than the pub, posing an even greater risk to women. Women’s Aid, a small domestic abuse charity, needed the entire nation to support these women. With no budget and no media spend, they needed an idea to cut through, something that would resonate specifically with an English audience, to get the entire nation talking & sharing the vital support information to help the women at risk.

Describe the Impact:

Despite no media spend the campaign went viral. Every major news outlet picked it up, generating a combined reach of 222 million. The British Home Office, police authorities and policy makers shared it. Together with the film it drove a 17% increase in traffic to the Women’s Aid Support Page and 44% increase to the Donate page. Social channels saw a 4,000 follower boost since launch and an organic reach of over 250K. It has solidified Women’s Aid as an authority on domestic abuse and football. They are now asked to comment when the issue appears in the news. They are currently in conversations with the PFA and FA, and have been invited to visit clubs to educate on their message – providing opportunities for tangible changes to be made.

Please tell us about the cultural insight that inspired the work

‘He’s Coming Home’ plays on ‘It’s Coming Home’ - England’s beloved football chant during international tournaments. Originally a hit song, the phrase is now an expression of hope that England will win and bring the trophy home to football's country of origin. Hence, "It's coming home”. For 30 years it’s been sung in stadiums and painted across the iconic red & white English flag in support of the team. Deeply rooted in British culture, it is synonymous with English football so by changing one word, from “It’s” to “He’s”, everyone in England will understand its chilling and powerful new meaning.

With the tournament being held in the winter for the first time the film was launched after the second group game. So as people made their way home in the dark, they got our timely message giving it even more impact and context.

Is there any cultural context that would help the jury understand how this work was perceived by people in the country where it ran?

‘He’s Coming Home’ plays on ‘It’s Coming Home’ - England’s beloved football chant during international tournaments. Originally a hit song, the phrase is now an expression of hope that England will win and bring the trophy home to football's country of origin. Hence, "It's coming home”. For 30 years it’s been sung in stadiums and painted across the iconic red & white English flag in support of the team. Deeply rooted in British culture, it is synonymous with English football so by changing one word, from “It’s” to “He’s”, everyone in England will understand its chilling and powerful new meaning.

With the tournament being held in the winter for the first time the film was launched after the second group game. So as people made their way home in the dark, they got our timely message giving it even more impact and context.

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