POLICE in Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly are launching special patrols to crackdown on domestic abuse during the Six Nations.

Gwent police have decided to put on dedicated patrols because they say the extra alcohol people consume during the tournament could trigger an increase in domestic violence.

During last year's Six Nations, officers responded to 57 incidents over the match weekends.

They found reports of domestic violence were peaking earlier on in the day during match weekends.

The police put on similar patrols over Christmas and New Year and found that the offender had been drinking in 87 percent of cases.

The operation will start this Saturday and will continue to run throughout the tournament.

Detective Inspector Bill Davies, said: "We saw over Christmas and New Year that alcohol was quite clearly a factor in the majority of incidents that the dedicated domestic violence patrols responded to.

"These patrols will provide a proactive campaign to tackling domestic violence. We will be offering support to repeat victims, as well as responding to any incidents.

"By being prepared, we will hopefully demonstrate to offenders that we will not tolerate domestic violence, as well as providing support to victims with partner agencies."

Director of Caerphilly Women's Aid, Kim Griffiths, said: "2007 has seen a steep increase in the amount of women, who are seeking support.

"This demonstrates that campaigns to raise awareness like the campaign Gwent Police are running with the Six Nations.

"We encourage all women who are suffering abuse to come forward and seek help."

A spokesperson for the Blaenau Gwent Domestic Abuse Service, added: "We are pleased to be working in partnership with Gwent Police on campaigns such as this to ensure that victims have access to emotional and practical help, whilst demonstrating to offenders that domestic violence will not be tolerated."