World Cup domestic abuse campaign launched in Liverpool

Posters highlighting the impact of domestic violence on children have been unveiled in Liverpool to coincide with the World Cup.

The image shows a father assaulting his wife as their daughter sits on the stairs with the words: "After the final whistle it all kicked off."

Reports of domestic violence during the 2006 tournament rose by 31% on England match days, Home Office data shows.

Every year, police receive 12,000 calls about domestic violence in Liverpool.

Councillor Anne O'Byrne, Liverpool City Council's cabinet member for community safety, said: "It is a sad fact that domestic violence is an everyday occurrence in homes across the city.

"It could be that couples find themselves having a blazing row after a night of drinking in the pub or at home whilst watching the matches.

"We want them to think about the damaging impact this has on their child and their family as a whole."

The campaign is funded by Liverpool's Community Safety Partnership - Citysafe - which includes the city council, Merseyside Police and Liverpool Primary Care Trust (PCT).

It is being backed by the NSPCC and Merseyside Probation Service.

The posters are appearing on billboards on main roads and posters at railway stations, and in pubs bars and hospitals.