KEY POINTS:
Hundreds of Auckland families have received a different kind of Christmas card this year - a letter that aims to prevent family violence over the festive season.
The letters have been set out, and in some cases hand delivered, by police who are fully aware that Christmas and the New Year bring extra stresses and pressures that often result in a rise in violence in the home.
Personalised letters have been sent to families that are deemed high risk.
Counties Manukau Family Violence co-ordinator Tim Smith said the aim of the letters was to remind people that it was OK to ask for help.
In Counties Manukau, where up to 12,000 cases of family violence have occurred this year, the letters were delivered to more than 100 families.
"The idea is to try and encourage them to do something before things get out of hand," said Mr Smith.
He said many families were doing well managing the pressure and the message for them this festive season was to keep at it.
"Keep up the good work, you have got a whole new year coming up. Just do your best and just keep that message in mind that there is help there."
Similar letters have been sent out in Auckland, while North Shore police are making personal visits to at-risk families.
Meanwhile, Women's Refuge is reminding women at risk of domestic violence to take every possible step to protect themselves and their children.
National Collective of Independent Refuges chief executive Heather Henare said the additional stress and drinking around this time helped fuel the violence of some men.
During the 2005/2006 festive period seven women were killed by their partners or former partners, leaving 19 children without a mother.
In Christmas week last year about 450 women and children ended up seeking refuge in safe houses.
"I would like to think we could head into these holidays feeling a bit more optimistic for our women and children, but with recorded violence rising and the demand for our services still high we can't," said Ms Henare.
TIPS FOR A CALM AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON
* Set aside money to cover bills that arrive in January and February.
* Moderate drinking - you don't need to drink to excess to enjoy life.
* Take time out - if things become heated or stressful, go somewhere for a few hours to let feelings and emotions calm down.
* If you are feeling afraid or over-whelmed, talk to someone you trust.
* Don't sweat over the small stuff - minor problems can be resolved without arguments.
* If you share custody of children, come to an agreement so that the children get to spend time with each of you.
* Most importantly - if you have any fears for your own or your children's safety, contact the police immediately.
FAMILY VIOLENCE - IT'S OK TO ASK FOR HELP
A number of organisations are ready to help with Domestic Violence.
* If it's happening now, call 111.
* Otherwise contact the following organisations for guidance, support or refuge:
* Women's Refuge 0800 REFUGE (0800 733843) 24 hours.
* Preventing Violence in the Home 0508 DV HELP (0508 384 357) 24 hours.
* It's Not OK! Family Violence Information helpline (0800 456 450) available from 9am to 11pm.
* Visit www.areyouok.org.nz - which has lots of information and helpful advice on family violence. It is the website of a campaign against such violence.
* Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for information about other services such as drug and alcohol abuse, gambling problems and budgeting services.
