Christmas is meant to be a time of peace and goodwill, but sadly it is also a time of year when Bay of Plenty police notice an increase in family violence.

'Organising family festivities and coping with financial pressures can make the season stressful and tempers can begin to fray,” says Family Violence Coordinator for Bay of Plenty District Police, Senior Sergeant Graham Perks.

Police are preparing for an increase in the number of domestic abuse call-outs over the holiday period. Photo: File.

'Adding alcohol into the mix can create a potentially explosive cocktail. Children can be the worst affected; through no fault of their own they could end up growing up with tarnished memories of Christmas.

'We urge families to put their children first.”

Graham says children don't need expensive gifts – the best present they can have is a fun and happy time in a safe, loving environment that is free from violence.

'Violence is inexcusable and there are steps that families can take to reduce the risks.

'Planning is the key, especially when there are different family groups involved or where parents of children are separated and there are access issues.”

Agree social and family arrangements in advance and stick to the agreed plans.

Make sure children get to spend quality time with both parents if there is shared custody.

Don't spend what you can't afford.

'Work out what you need to buy for Christmas and what bills you need to cover and set that money aside.

'If you are finding the whole idea of Christmas too stressful, talk to a friend or someone else that you can trust.”

And go easy on the alcohol, says Graham.

'If you are drinking make sure you have equal amounts of water or non-alcoholic drinks.

'If an argument starts to brew, take a deep breath and walk away. Take time out to let everyone calm down or sober up.

'If you have real concerns for your safety or the safety of your children, contact the police.

'We work closely throughout the year with a range of partner agencies and organisations and we will continue to work with high-risk families throughout the summer to prevent violence in the home.”

Graham says early intervention is also assisted greatly by the individuals and families accepting that it is not okay and that there is no shame in asking for help.

Useful links and numbers:

Police emergency: 111

Women's Refuge: www.womensrefuge.org.nz (0800 1 REFUGE)

Victim Support: www.victimsupport.org.nz (0800 VICTIM)

Lifeline: www.lifeline.org.nz (0800 543354)

Family Violence It's Not OK: www.areyouok.org.nz (0800 456 450)

If you have information about criminal activity but don't want to reveal your identity, you can pass it on anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on: 0800 555111 or at: www.crimestoppers-nz.org