Waiariki Women's Refuge is calling for locals to help, following a significant increase in the number of domestic violence victims using their services.
During the past year, the refuge has seen more than 2000 families affected by domestic violence come through its doors, up from between 1000 to 1500 families in previous years.
A Waiariki Women's Refuge spokeswoman said she was unsure as to what caused the spike in numbers but said it was obviously a "tough time" for many of the women who on top of dealing with abusive and violent relationships, were facing financial pressures, having difficulty securing employment or suitable accommodation, or were experiencing problems with alcohol or drugs, including synthetic cannabis.
This month marks national Women's Refuge Awareness and Appeal Month and volunteers will be collecting donations around Rotorua streets every Wednesday starting next week.She encouraged locals to get behind the cause, as every dollar donated would go a long way to help the families the refuge supports.
The money raised would allow the refuge to supply those people with necessities and personal items, like underwear and toiletries, along with things like nappies, colouring in books and crayons for children.