THE performance of the England team in this year's World Cup could lead to increased incidents of domestic abuse.

The Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS), said some police forces record a higher number of incidents of domestic abuse during major sporting tournaments, and urged people in York and North Yorkshire not to accept this.

Reports have blamed increased alcohol consumption, unrealistic expectations and heightened emotions as causes for escalating existing domestic abuse and putting people at increased risk, and Sarah Hill, CEO of IDAS urged the public to look out for the signs of abuse.

She said: "Domestic abuse causes distress, fear and serious harm to victims and children and can result in a family having to flee their home and the perpetrator receiving a prison sentence.

"Alcohol consumption and frustration over a team losing a football match are never an excuse for abusive behaviour. We would encourage anyone who is worried about their relationship to seek support by calling our helpline number. We would also urge people to look out for each other."

Sarah said domestic incidents were often a sign of ongoing domestic abuse, and abusers can lock their victims into a cycle of power and control, with techniques including humiliation, shouting, constant criticism, financial control, isolating them from friends and family, checking up on them, insisting on having access to their phone and emails.

Physical signs could include forcing them into unwanted sexual activity, kicking, punching, slapping, hitting them and threatening them, but Sarah said abuse could be "physical, emotional, financial, psychological or sexual and can affect anyone".

*Anyone affected by domestic abuse or concerned for a loved one can contact IDAS on the helpline 03000 110 110.