Police see increase in domestic violence

3:40 am on 24 February 2011

The number of domestic incidents has risen since Tuesday's earthquake, prompting police in Canterbury to appeal to people to look after one another.

Police say incidents of family violence and suicide rose after September's earthquake, and anecdotally police officers are now starting to see the same thing happen.

Superintendent Russell Gibson says while the stress and trauma of the quake are obviously taking their toll, domestic violence is never acceptable.

He says if things get too heated at home, people should take a deep breath, leave the house and try to talk things through with a friend or family member.

Mr Gibson says help, advice and information are available on 0800 1 REFUGE.