A DEDICATED team of police officers has been set up to deal with a spike in domestic violence during the World Cup.
Calls to police traditionally rise during the football tournament, particularly when England have played.
Analysis by Humberside Police showed calls in Hull doubled following England matches in the 2010 competition.
Hospitals in the area have been warned to expect an increase and charities have drafted in extra staff to help victims.
Detective Chief Inspector Kay Durrant said: "During the World Cup, we do tend to see an increase in the number of calls made to police, reporting incidents of domestic violence. These are often when England has played, and alcohol is involved.
"Police will attend, speak to the people involved and often arrests are made. However, once the dust has settled, people tend to retract their complaint and no longer want to co-operate with police.
"I want people to not feel scared and, please think about the impact of domestic violence on yourself, and your family. It is important that these people are brought to justice.
"During the World Cup, a dedicated team of officers will be on duty to deal with incidents of domestic violence.
"Those officers will be working alongside partner agencies to ensure that the best care and support is given to the victims and their families."
The tournament begins on Thursday, with England's first match against Italy kicking off at 11pm on Saturday.
Vicki Paddison, strategic domestic violence services manager for Hull City Council, said: "We are expecting it to be more difficult this year because the games are later in the night.
"We are worried about that but we are putting extra staff on over the weekend to try and deal with any increase that does occur."
She said a rise in domestic violence during the World Cup is a national trend, with a particular increase when England have won a match.
"It is the one time when there is a definite peak in domestic violence across the country," she said.
"Although domestic violence is not caused by alcohol, it can be a trigger. People's inhibitions are lowered and their propensity for violence can increase.
"We see when England win games that people carry on celebrating, which ends up with poor outcomes. When they lose, people tend to go home with their heads down and it kind of settles down.
"We have put together a plan with all of the agencies in the city, so everybody is on stand-by in case there is an increase.
Nationally, the Home Office has launched a campaign aimed at men aged between 18 and 35. Posters will be displayed in male toilets in pubs and around football content.
Call Humberside Police on 101 or Hull Domestic Abuse Partnership on 01482 318759.
Legal aid is availableRichard Hoare, of Andrew Jackson Solicitors, is a spokesman for family law organisation Resolution. He said: "For many people, the World Cup is an enjoyable occasion, shared with family and friends. But the domestic violence figures from the last tournament make depressing reading.
"Nobody facing domestic abuse should have to suffer in silence and although there have been massive cuts elsewhere, legal aid is still available for people who are victims of abuse and want to separate from their partner.
"People in need of more immediate help may be eligible for legal aid to help them apply for a court order to protect them and their family.
"In either of these scenarios, a local family lawyer who does legal aid work will be able to help you."
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