Refuge said victims would often try to leave the house while their partners were watching a game.

"They use the hours of the match to get away," a spokeswoman said.

But the link between alcohol and violence meant the number of violent incidents between a couple could rise during the tournament.

It added that there was no research to suggest a link between domestic violence and watching football itself, which has often been suggested in the past.

Refuge provides emergency accommodation and safe houses for women and children who are subject to domestic violence.

The spokeswoman said they were not able to increase their resources during the June 9 to July 9 tournament as they were already stretched to the limit but added they were expecting an increase in inquiries.