Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Domestic violence up since quake - police

Updated at 6:35 am on 8 September 2010

Police in Christchurch says reports of domestic violence offences have increased by 53% since the earthquake on Saturday.

Women's Refuge says it has noticed a 10% rise in the use of its services and expects that to climb.

Christchurch Women's Refuge chief executive Annette Gillespie says women may be made to feel guilty for trying to leave an abusive relationship during a difficult time.

Ms Gillespie says she expects domestic violence incidents to climb over the next few months.

Victoria University research issued earlier this year revealed there are up to triple the number of reports of domestic violence after a disaster.

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