People in Somerset are being warned that domestic violence is expected to rise during the World Cup. The county council has highlighted research which shows incidents increase if England are playing, and rise by more than a third if the side loses.

Data from the National Centre for Domestic Violence shows that incidents of domestic abuse increase by 26 percent if England play, 38 percent if England lose, and 11 percent the next day, win or lose.

The council said: “As the England football team progress in the tournament, with another intense game expected on Saturday (10 December), the domestic abuse service is expecting an increase in incidents - often being fuelled by emotional stress, drinking alcohol and betting before and during matches.”

Cllr Adam Dance, Somerset County Council Lead Executive Member for Public Health, said: “There is no excuse for domestic abuse. It is important to understand that watching football doesn’t cause abuse, but it often triggers incidents of abusive behaviour in relationships where domestic abuse is happening.

“Our domestic abuse support service, Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service, is available to help and advise anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse with support tailored to each individual’s needs. There is also a support programme for anybody who thinks their actions towards someone are abusive and who have a desire to change that behaviour.”

A statement from the local authority said domestic abuse is defined as ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality’.

It says it is estimated that one in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. The statement added: “No one wants England to win more than someone experiencing domestic abuse – for them the World Cup can be a time of fear and anxiety anticipating an incident of domestic abuse, but help is available.”

A record number of domestic abuse offences were recorded in Avon and Somerset last year, figures showed last week. It followed the trend across England and Wales, which saw the number of crimes logged by police forces rise for the sixth successive year.

Anti-domestic violence charity Refuge said women and girls face an “epidemic of violence” and called on the Government to prioritise bringing perpetrators to justice and protecting victims.

Somerset County Council says if you are experiencing domestic abuse, worried about someone you know, or are concerned about the impact of your behaviour towards others, then help is available from www.somersetsurvivors.org.ukor by telephoning 0800 49 69 999. In an emergency you should always dial 999, if you are worried that an abuser may overhear your call you can remain silent and dial 55 for help.