The Welsh Government regularly campaigns against domestic abuse
Welsh Women’s Aid have warned domestic violence is likely to rise during the Six Nations.
The organisation says incidents of domestic abuse reported to South Wales Police rose by 79 per cent when Wales played England in 2010 compared to the previous weekend.
Becky Jones of Welsh Women’s Aid said incidents increase when Wales play, rise further when they lose and rise to their highest level of all when they lose to England (as in 2010).
She said: “Much of this violence is blamed on increased alcohol consumption. But while alcohol can be a contributory factor in a relationship which is already abusive it is not the root cause.
“Domestic abuse is an on-going pattern of abusive behaviour adopted by one partner in an attempt to exert power and control over another.”
“We know it is likely domestic abuse will rise this weekend with the start of the Six Nations championship. There’s nothing we can really do to prepare but to make sure the helpline number is out there and people are aware of it.”
Domestic abuse affects one in four women at some point in their lives and kills two women every week in England and Wales. Anyone concerned about domestic abuse can call the All Wales Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Helpline on 08088 010 800
