There's no need for violence - It's only football.

[davieG]

BBC

As England's Euro 2012 campaign kicks off, police forces across the country have issued warnings about domestic violence.

But what impact do international football tournaments have on this type of abuse?

Research by BBC News has found there was a surge in domestic violence reports to police during the 2010 World Cup.

Figures obtained from police forces across England under the Freedom of Information Act show that when England beat Slovenia, nationally the rate per 1,000 people of domestic violence reports increased by 27%.

And when England lost 4-1 to Germany, domestic violence increased by 29% - however on the two games in the tournament that they drew, there was no noticeable impact overall.

The percentages were worked out by comparing daily reports to police forces during the tournament with the corresponding days in 2009 when there were not any football matches happening.

Statistician Professor Allan Brimicombe, an expert in domestic violence and the chair of the Crime and Justice Statistics Network, analysed and verified the figures.

"There's a national pattern that is significantly relevant," he said, adding: "The stats are pretty conclusive. It's a definitive and significant increase."

Chris Hancox, from White Ribbon UK, which campaigns against violence to women, said: "If someone's football team loses, that's no reason to take it out on anyone, particularly the person they're supposed to love.

"There is no reason or rationale for it happening. It is only a football match."

She said arguments about the amount of television watched, alcohol intake, jealousy due to people spending more time with friends and an increase in money spent could lead to an increase in tensions.

Ms Hall added there could also be frustrations about the results, especially if one partner did not empathise.

Mark Brooks, chairman of Mankind, a charity which supports male victims of domestic abuse, agrees.

"The tension will be someone in a relationship is more focused on football. For example, the husband loves football and the wife doesn't and this can cause tension which is then exposed through domestic violence abuse."

Mr Brooks said it was not necessarily about people drinking more alcohol, as domestic abuse was multi-dimensional and a sober wife could beat a man.

Abuse can also be psychological and not always physical, he added.

"It's about power and control. For example, people can be forced not to watch it."

He added he was not surprised by the figures as the charity's helpline had also experienced an increase in calls.

Ian, 50, from north England, is a victim of domestic abuse.

He was with his partner for 18 months, during 12 of which he was abused.

He was repeatedly attacked and sustained a fractured skull and ribs, and his left arm was badly battered after he was struck with a metal bar and hammer.

His partner is now serving seven years for GBH with intent and assault.

A lifelong football supporter, he said his partner used this as a way to control him.

"I supported my local team since I was a young boy. She said I loved them more than her.

"She destroyed my season ticket and would rip up sport pages so I couldn't follow what my team were doing."

He said perpetrators used alcohol as an excuse.

"People who use football as an excuse are not genuine football fans.

"The issue is someone's mentality.

"Her excuse for some of the assaults was that I showed more interest in the team than her. It was a control issue."

[Zingari]

i can't see why winning or losing causes the rate of violence to increase but draws have no effect .

i thought Christmas and New Year was when domestic violence increased the most.

[Guest MattP]

I'd imagine it's far more to do with the alcohol intake than the actual football itself that causes it.

[Trav Le Bleu]

i can't see why winning or losing causes the rate of violence to increase but draws have no effect .

i thought Christmas and New Year was when domestic violence increased the most.

Boxing Day matches.

[Zingari]

Boxing Day matches.

i often wondered why they called it boxing day

[Daggers]

i often wondered why they called it boxing day

Because the bloody Christians stole yet another pagan festival.

In this house we still honour the original tradition and give praise to the gods Gerrintothum and Fukemup.