Police have issued a domestic violence checklist to help people assess whether potential victims will be hurt — or even killed — over the Christmas period.

The rest of the 12 points not mentioned in yesterday’s post:

• There has been recent separation, issue of a court order or divorce, or responding in a dangerous manner.
• The victim believes the suspect could injure or kill her.
• The offender has strangled or attempted to strangle the victim.
• There is a history of family violence and it is getting more severe or increasing in frequency.
• The offender has easy access to the victim’s children or other family members.
• There have been incidents of animal abuse.
• History of violent behaviour against non-family members.

Christchurch’s refuges are seeing the typical busy Christmas run, with many women making the decision to leave their partners.

Battered Women’s Trust co-ordinator Sue Hastings said there was more sadness when a crisis occurred during the holiday season, with women feeling badly about the prospect of being in a refuge over Christmas.

“For many of our clients, loneliness, re-housing and isolation are often their greatest challenges and this time of year can be increasingly lonely for many.”

Hastings said in one recent instance, a woman had been victimised when a landlord would not let a flat to her, fearing retribution and trouble from her former partner.

“This discriminatory action ensures the family stays in refuge over the holidays.”

Hastings said families and businesses had donated food and toys to the refugeleading up to Christmas.

The Battered Women’s Trust crisis phoneline is 364 8900 and operates 24 hours a day, including Christmas.