Christmas can be worst time for families living with domestic violence

Western Australian families experiencing domestic violence during the Christmas season are being encouraged to reach out to telephone support services for help, support and advice.

Child Protection Minister Robyn McSweeney said the combination of festive season expectations, financial stress, alcohol and other pressures could result in increased family and domestic violence.

The State Government will this week begin a holiday season print and radio advertising campaign to increase awareness of the availability of domestic violence support services, including the domestic violence helplines for men and women.

"Christmas should be the happiest time of the year but, for families living with domestic violence, it can often be the worst," Mrs McSweeney said.

"Children should be able to enjoy Christmas without the fear that it could lead to violence.  If people are feeling stressed or fearful of their emotions or the situation they are in, they should know they are not alone and help is only a phone call away."

The Minister said the Men's Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 000 599 was a 24-hour anonymous telephone service staffed by trained professional men, who did not judge, but listened and provided options.

The Women's Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 007 339 was also staffed 24-hours-a-day by professionals who would support women to make safe decisions and help them find a place to go if they needed to leave an unsafe situation.

"I urge men, women, parents and families to not allow family and domestic violence to ruin their Christmas," Mrs McSweeney said.

Help is available and I urge anyone who needs support to use it."