By Charlotte Tonkin
Wellington police have seen a 30 percent increase in family violence over the past five weeks, as the stress of the season takes over.
“Christmas regardless of what's happening in the economy is always stressful when it comes to finances and then you throw in the extra concern, the alcohol input and just families getting together,” says detective sergeant Penelope Gifford, of the Wellington Police.
Police were called to almost 50 incidents last week in Wellington alone.
They're first concern is arguments turning physical but long term they say verbal abuse can be more damaging than being hit.
“We can't look at verbal arguments as not important because the psychological effect on children and adults, and the tension that brings is immense,” says Ms Gifford.
Women’s Refuge chief executive Heather Henare says some women find physical abuse easier to deal with then psychological.
“Some women actually tell us that they would rather be hit than to be verbally abused simply because they feel that at least it's over and done with,” she says.
Despite the spike in incidents family violence organisations say anti-abuse campaigns are working and raising awareness of the issue.
Traditionally police experience a lull in family violence in January but they expect incidents will begin to increase again during February when Christmas bills come in and children return to school.
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