Domestic violence is predicted to rise during England’s World Cup matches and an abuse charity has reported an increase in incidents since the first game.

Lima Khanom, a senior outreach worker at Redbridge Action Against Domestic Abuse (Raada), said phone lines have been “very busy” since England lost to Italy on Saturday night.

National research says that when England lose a game domestic incidents can rise by 38 per cent. Even if the nation wins or draws an increase of 26pc is predicted, according to a report published in the Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency. It is based on previous World Cup matches.

The day following games there is an increase of 11pc but researchers noted that this could be because of people returning home in the early hours after late-night games.

Mrs Khanom said: “Research has shown increases of domestic abuse during Christmas and the World Cup.

“Raada and most agencies delivering services to victims of domestic abuse actively take steps to ensure that there is enough staff to cover the services and generally we remain on an increased level of alert around these times.

“I can confirm that since the weekend we have been receiving phone calls and our helpline has been very busy this week.

“We find that usually when a perpetrator feels like they are losing control in a situation, there is an escalation of violence.

“This theory could well be applied to a football game or any scenario where the perpetrator is trying to regain control and therefore their personal feeling of being in a position of power.”

Victims of domestic abuse can contact Redbridge Police on 101 or Raada on 07946 872 734.

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