World Cup could fuel domestic violence , says British charity

LONDON, Jun 2: The month-long World Cup offers a chance for victims of domestic violence to escape while their partners are distracted, but could lead to an overall rise in violence, a British charity said today.

Refuge said victims would often try to leave the house while their partners were watching a game.

''They use the hours of the match to get away,'' a spokeswoman said.

But the link between alcohol and violence meant the number of violent incidents between a couple could rise during the tournament.

It added that there was no research to suggest a link between domestic violence and watching soccer itself, which has often been suggested in the past.

Refuge provides emergency accommodation and safe houses for women and children who are subject to domestic violence.

The spokeswoman said they were not able to increase their resources during the June 9 to July 9 tournament as they were already stretched to the limit but added they were expecting an increase in inquiries.

Reuters