Disturbing poster image of woman bleeding shines spotlight on football and domestic violence

A graphic and shocking poster campaign is shining a spotlight on the issue of increased incidents of domestic violence during the World Cup, and in particular in England.

Studies that show a correlation between violence and football were widely circulated online before the World Cup, with these reports finding that domestic abuse increases when England wins or loses a match.

The most comprehensive of the studies, conducted by Lancaster University in 2013, found that abuse increased by 26 per cent when England played and 38 per cent when they lost.

In a bid to draw awareness to the problem ahead of the semi-final match between England and Croatia - which saw England get knocked out during extra time last night - the National Centre for Domestic Violence released a poster highlighting the worrying link.

The campaign, created alongside communications agency J Walter Thompson London (JWT), shows a woman with blood pouring out of her nose - with the blood forming the St George’s flag.

The poster is titled: ‘If England gets beaten, so will she.’ Jo Wallace, creative director at JWT, said: ‘As fans across the world watch each game with trepidation, so too do the partners of some of those fans.

‘The lesser-known aspect of football is clearly communicated with this impactful campaign, “The Not-So-Beautiful Game”. The team saw these stats and immediately created this excellent work to help reach and support victims of Domestic Violence during the World Cup when they are in particular danger.’

The campaign also re-imagined other countries’ flags to raise awareness of domestic violence.