World Cup abuse fears

20 May 2010, 06:10 | Updated: 20 May 2010, 16:16

The people running Oxfordshire's domestic abuse helpline are getting ready for a possible surge in calls during this summer's World Cup.

It's because there is often a rise in violence in these kind of relationships around the time of major sporting events, when people tend to drink more.  Emotions can also go on a rollercoaster from elation to despair, as supporters follow the fortunes of teams in the tournament.

Oxfordshire's domestic abuse co-ordinator Michelle Plaisted-Kerr has been telling Heart: "It's not to say that all people who drink alcohol commit domestic abuse, but if there's already domestic abuse happening it can exacerbate it and make it worse during this period of time."

The Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse helpline is now receiving more than 500 calls a month from people who need advice and support because they're in an abusive relationship.

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