A women's refuge in Derby is warning that with just over a week to go until the World Cup kicks off, so will incidents of domestic violence in the home.

With alcohol prices at a record low, staff at the refuge are concerned that upsets on the pitch, could lead to flared tempers and violence at home.

The refuge, which is managed by housing provider Derwent Living, provides shelter and support for women and families who are fleeing domestic violence.

Donna Webb, domestic violence services manager at Derwent Living says: "It is a sad fact that unfortunately a major sporting event such as the World Cup is likely to lead to a rise in incidences of domestic violence in the home. People drink in excess and become angry when games don't go the way they want."

According to the Association of Chief Police Officers, reports of domestic violence in England and Wales increased by a staggering 25% on England match days during the World Cup four years ago.

Donna continues: "We want to let women know that there is protection and support available if they fall victim to any form of violence or intimidation from their partners or other family members. Far too many women stay in abusive relationships for too long before reporting their crimes to the police, we are urging anyone who feels threatened to contact us immediately and we can offer them accommodation and support."

Derwent Living's refuge has been running for 15 years and provides a floating support and a children's service. It is the largest refuge if its kind in Derby and the only one that has self-contained flats. The refuge caters for 15 families at a time. It is supported by the community through donations of cash, clothes, toys and furniture.

The refuge also runs a specialist service called the Butterfly Project which provides support to women fleeing domestic violence who have additional support needs such as drug or alcohol dependency. It is the only facility of its kind outside of London.

Since 1993, the refuge has provided support to women and a children's service which has helped more than 2000 women with children.

If you want to find out more about the services provided by the refuge, then call Derwent Living's head office on 01332 346 477 and ask for domestic violence services and you will be put straight through.

Alternatively you can also seek help from the Family Justice Centre in Derby on 01332 256 890.

For more information about Derwent Living please visit their website here: www.derwentliving.com