A campaign in Lichfield and Burntwood is aiming to show domestic abuse the red card ahead of the Euro 16 football tournament.

Figures show that cases rise by more than 25% during major sporting events, with alcohol consumption and conflict sparked by spending time watching games being triggers.

The Lichfield and Tamworth Domestic and Sexual Abuse Forum is highlighting how people can get in touch before the tournament in France kicks off this evening (June 10).

They will put material in every hair salon, barber shop and nail bar, with organisers saying these are often the only places where people are able to talk openly about any issues.

Kathy Coe, chief executive of domestic abuse charity the Pathway Project, said: “For some people, there may not be many opportunities to seek help – this may be one of those and we want to offer access to help through whatever means we can.

“Informing these outlets of how to respond and how they can then be a safe place for someone to make a call to our helpline, could make a life changing, even lifesaving, difference.

“We have linked the campaign in with the Euro football tournament but we are here for the longer game and so the message will be to contact us long after the final whistle.”

Pathway’s helpline number on 01543 676800 operates all day every day.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.