PLAID Cymru AM Nerys Evans has urged women not to suffer domestic abuse in silence on the eve of the Six Nations tournament.
Her appeal came ahead of the opening Six Nations games this weekend.
Thirty nine per cent of domestic abuse cases involve alcohol and sadly research shows that during major sporting events incidents of domestic abuse increase because people are drinking more. Last year Police revealed that cases of domestic violence soared 79 per cent when Wales played England.
Nerys Evans, who won the ITV Campaigner of the year award in 2008 for her campaigning work on domestic abuse issues, said:
“There are a multitude of issues that lead to domestic abuse. It is not just because of alcohol or a game of rugby. But excess drinking at times, such as during the Six Nations and over Christmas, can act as a catalyst for abuse.
"Although there is an increase in the number of cases of domestic violence at certain times of the year it is still a problem all year round - over the last three years Dyfed Powys Police received nearly 9,000 complaints of domestic violence.
“Abuse and violence in the home is never acceptable under any circumstances. There is help and support available for women who are attacked through the 24-hour domestic abuse helpline. There is no need for women to suffer in silence and asking for help doesn’t mean they will be pressurised to take action.
"Witnessing violence can also be very damaging to children and there is support available to them as well as their mother. I appeal to all rugby fans to enjoy the tournament but not to take out any frustrations on wives, partners and children.”
The 24-hour Wales Domestic Abuse helpline can be contacted on 0808 80 10 800 while more help and information is available online at www.welshwomensaid.org