Sunderland domestic abuse charity tells us about worrying pattern around Christmas
A Sunderland domestic abuse charity is urging people to reach out over Christmas if they are experiencing domestic abuse.
They say there is a worrying pattern around the Christmas period with an increase in people calling for help once the festivities are over.
Laura Seebohm, Chief Executive of Wearside Women in Need, tells us there is support available throughout the Christmas period.
She said: "We know that our referrals go down just before Christmas because people don't want to upset things, especially for children, at that precious time of the year.
"But come January, referrals go right back up again."
She continued to say: "It can be a time when everything is exacerbated and we just really want to make sure that everyone across our communities is safe, has support, someone to talk to and knows what help there is available in specialist domestic abuse services."