DOMESTIC abuse services are bracing themselves for a New Year fallout as families crack under the pressure of post-Christmas blues.

Victims of violence are more likely to contact refuges and outreach services in January than at any other time of the year, as the reality of debt and emotional isolation hits hard.

Some, especially those with children, will stay with their partner over Christmas, but leave soon afterwards.

A spokeswoman for Darlington and District Women's Refuge and Outreach Service said: "Generally at Christmas, women seem to stick it out for the sake of the family and our statistics show it then becomes very busy again after Christmas.

"The police might be busy with alcohol and domestic violence, but the normal pattern is it gets very busy for us just afterwards."

In Wear Valley, a new 24-hour crisis intervention service got 103 adult and 17 child referrals in its first month.

The service helps adults and children with seven support officers and a part-time administrator, working from 75 Proudfoot Drive, Woodhouse Close, in Bishop Auckland, and Dellside, in Willington.

They can offer practical help as well as counselling, and can refer people to other support services.

Adults are asked to call 01388-660957 or 01388-742110. The children's line is 01388-660957. In Darlington, the service can be reached on 01325-364486.

In Sedgefield, which has one of the worst records for domestic violence in the UK, services are co-ordinated by a Domestic Violence Action Group made up of local authorities, police and support agencies.

No 31 and Soda (Survivors of Domestic Abuse) run a women's centre that provides advice and support for victims and their children. For details, call 01325-317903 during office hours or 0191-586-3055 anytime.

However, anyone who fears for their immediate safety, is urged to use the 999 emergency number.