People are being warned to be on the lookout for signs of family violence and to report anything suspicious to police this Christmas.

Sadly family violence escalates over Christmas and January and BOP Family Works co-ordinator Heather Beddie says calls to police and family services increase over this time.

She says 70 cases of family violence cases are reported to police on a weekly basis.

'That's 70 per cent of women and their respective children that are being hurt in some way under the banner of family violence.

'In New Zealand half of all murders are the result of family violence. Often people do see danger signs but don't realise the seriousness of them.”

Heather is encouraging people to be on the lookout for signs of domestic abuse and report anything to police.

Here are some common danger signs:

Stalking is serious. Someone who stalks another person shows they cannot let them go or respect their wish to be left alone.

Threats to kill may lead to murder or attempted murder and need to be taken seriously.

Strangulation (choking) is an attempt to cut off a person's air supply, it is attempted murder.

Jealous and possessive behaviour shows domination by one person over another, not love.

Fear – the victim or children are very afraid.

'If you see any of these signs in a relationship or family you know it's serious and should not be ignored.”

Heather is challenging people to do the following to stop the domestic abuse circle:

You can:

Challenge the behaviour – but never put your own or others' safety at risk

Offer to support the victim and find out what they need

Call the It's not OK information line on 0800 456 450 for advice

Call the Police on 111 if you believe someone is in danger

Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For more information go to http://www.areyouok.org.nz/