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Many women became targets of violence as their partners took out their frustrations following the All Blacks' rugby World Cup loss.
Women's refuges say the demand for their services has been since Sunday's defeat. "We've heard from police there has been an increase in domestic violence and they're our biggest source of referrals," said Catherine Delore, spokeswoman for the National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges.
"The game isn't the only reason for abuse but it's always part of the excuse. The abusers tend to take out their anger on their nearest and dearest."
