The ACT's domestic violence crisis workers are preparing for their busiest time of year in the lead-up to Christmas Day.
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The Domestic Violence Crisis Service's peak period runs from November to February, covering the lead-up and aftermath of the Christmas holidays.
This Christmas could be especially busy; the organisation's most recent annual report showed a year-on-year increase in client contact.
DVCS chief executive Mirjana Wilson said many of the women experienced domestic violence throughout the year, but the holidays brought extra pressures and higher reporting rates.
"Some of it could be playing happy family when things really aren't going well; it could be financial pressures to make ends meet and get the presents," she said.
"For a lot of women, it could be a case of 'it's 12 months on, I'm still where I was 12 months ago, I've still got to get through another period of this'."
The ACT government launched its annual Domestic Violence Christmas Program on Friday, providing additional emergency accommodation until January 27.
Housing and Community Services, DVCS and specialist homelessness organisations collaborated on the program.
"The program will target people in immediate need and fear for their safety, or the safety of their family members because of domestic or family violence," Minister for Women Yvette Berry said.
Ms Wilson said DVCS, like other first responders, triaged clients during the holiday season.
"We put extra resources on, but we do end up dealing with the pointiest of the pointiest at this time of year, because we're trying to respond to those at most risk and most vulnerable who don't have other resources," she said.
"We have to make sure we're caring for our staff as well, because the work can be hard on the back of what is already a busy year."
The DVCS 2015-16 annual report showed 50,996 crisis intervention contacts, a 23 per cent increase from the previous year.
The increase in hours spent in contact with clients was slightly lower, however, and attributed to faster, more concise messaging through SMS and social media.
Ninety-seven per cent of clients were female and 55 per cent were aged between 25 and 44.
Some 43 per cent of clients contacted the service on their own, while 33 per cent came through some form of police assistance, and agencies referred 18 per cent.
Ms Wilson urged members of the community to check in with people they feared may be doing it tough or feeling unsafe during the season.
"If you do know of people in this situation, to just ask them if they're okay or if they need assistance is a really useful thing," she said.
"A whole lot of people have a feeling that something's not okay, but they haven't named it. If you're feeling unsafe in your relationship or you feel something's not right, give us a call.
"You don't need to be in immediate danger to call."
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic or family violence, call the ACT Domestic Violence Crisis Service 24-hour crisis line on 6280 0900. In an emergency, call 000. See helpstopdv.org.au.
