AS ENGLAND’S World Cup campaign got under way this week another campaign with a serious message went viral on social media.

The Pathway Project charity, which supports survivors of domestic abuse, posted a message online which read: “Nobody wants England to win more than women.

“Domestic abuse rates increase by 38 per cent when England lose.

“Show violence the red card.”

The post was liked almost 4,000 times on Facebook and shared more than 53,000 times.

Statistics in Sussex show 2,201 domestic abuse incidents and crimes were reported during the Brazilian World Cup in 2014.

This was an increase of 25 per cent over the same dates the year before.

On four England match days during the Euro 2016 tournament, 298 similar incidents and crimes were attended by Sussex Police, which is a 19 per cent increase on the same dates in 2015.

For the duration of the World Cup 2018 tournament in Russia, Sussex Police is running an Operation Ribbon on days when England play.

There are dedicated officers in place for victims of domestic abuse during such tournaments as they are considered to be at “heightened risk”.

In a statement, Sussex Police said: “Statistical evidence demonstrates that there is a causal link between high tension sporting events and increases in reported incidents of domestic abuse.

“Specialist officers work with response teams to assist with putting safeguarding in place for victims and helping to secure evidence of the incident.

“It’s really important to raise awareness of domestic abuse throughout the year, but particularly when victims of abuse may need us more than ever.

“Sporting events provide an opportunity to provide reassurance that help and protection is available from police and partners and to signpost to support agencies for further advice.

“We want to encourage people to report or seek help and support to escape their abusive relationship.”

Jo Gough, chief executive of Rise, a charity in Brighton supporting domestic abuse victims, said:

“We believe the reason incidents of domestic abuse increase during sporting events like the World Cup is because control is lost and power and control are at the heart of domestic abuse.

“Abusers exert their power over their victim in a number of ways, using coercion, threats and intimidation, controlling their actions and finances.

“However, the outcome of major sporting events is difficult to predict and fans who are heavily emotionally invested can feel powerless, resulting in a reassertion of power within their romantic relationships.

“It’s important to remember that alcohol and/or football are not the cause of domestic abuse, perpetrators of abuse are the cause.”

Rise urges anyone who is told by a friend they are being abused “to listen and don’t judge” and not pressurise the person to leave immediately but to make them feel someone is there for them.

Anyone concerned about their own relationship, or a friend, can contact Rise through www.theportal.org.uk or go to ww.sussex.police.uk/da for more information.