Speaking ahead of the official launch of South Wales Police’s annual Tackling Domestic Abuse campaign tomorrow, he told the Echo that while domestic violence happens all year round, the link between major rugby games and attacks is clear.
Last year, South Wales Police recorded 66 incidents of domestic violence between 5pm on Saturday, February 7, to 3am on Sunday, February 8. The following weekend, when Wales played England in Cardiff, the number of offences rose by 79% to 118.
Det Supt Bishop, head of the public protection department, said: “Sadly, research indicates that during major sporting events incidents of domestic abuse increase because people are drinking more.
“South Wales figures in fact reveal that alcohol featured in more than 80% of all arrests made relating to domestic incidents this time last year.