LANCASHIRE Constabulary is planning to blow the whistle on domestic violence in the home this month.

National football tournaments such as the World Cup increase violent incidents say officers and so they have picked June to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Its co-ordinator Inspector Joyce Green said: "Violence figures increased during the 1998 World Cup and again during Euro 2000.

"Now with England engaged in major games in Japan and Korea we have several initiatives planned for June which include having a domestic violence officer on duty during televised coverage of potential flashpoint matches."

Lancashire's domestic violence figures have soared from 6,071 recorded cases in 1995 to 22,078 in 2002.

But Insp Green added: "Although on the face of it these figures reflect a startling increase, this is not the case. What has happened is that now we are getting a truer picture of the situation.

"All agencies in supporting victims of domestic violence have worked hard to encourage people to come forward and we are seeing the results of that work.

"And, while we are pleased that people are heeding our campaign and blowing the whistle on domestic violence, we have to accept that some crimes are still suffered in silence."

Preston's Women's Refuge will also be operating a 24-hour helpline during June offering advice and support on (01772) 201601.