PEOPLE are being warned to spot the signs of domestic abuse – which increases over the festive season.

Somerset Council has called on the public and employers to be alert to the signs of domestic abuse, with an increases of incidents put down to rising pressures over finances, family tensions, increased drinking, and spending more time with a partner or family member, which can all escalate controlling, coercive, or violent behaviour.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, lead executive member for communities at the council, said: “Christmas should be a time of joyful celebration, but sadly, cases of domestic abuse surge during the festive period.

“Stress, family quarrels, alcohol and the pressure to make the season perfect can all contribute.

“We urge everyone to be vigilant and to look out for the signs of domestic abuse among friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues.”

Domestic abuse is defined as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Warning signs for domestic abuse include:

• Sudden changes in behaviour or personality
• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities
• Unexplained injuries or excuses for harm
• Anxiety or fear around a partner or family member
• Restrictions on finances, social contact, or personal freedom

Support is available for those affected, the council said, including from Somerset Domestic Abuse Support.

The service offers confidential, non-judgemental advice and assistance for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or for those concerned about a friend, family member, neighbour, or colleague.

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Services include:

• Guidance on safety planning
• Advocacy and referrals to specialist support services
• Emotional support and practical help to access legal or housing assistance

Estimates suggest that one-in-four women and one-in-six men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.

The council has also launched an employers’ toolkit, available on the Somerset Domestic Abuse Support website, providing “guidance for workplaces to support employees and tackle domestic abuse effectively”.

Help is available every day for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or knows someone who is.

Contact the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service on 0800 69 49 999 (8am–8pm, seven days a week including Christmas day, Boxing Day and bank holidays), or email domesticabuseservice@somerset.gov.uk.

Anyone in immediate danger should call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted – which will connect you to the police through the Silent Solution system.

For those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired, register with emergencySMS.net to text 999 in an emergency. If you use British Sign Language (BSL), you can contact 999 BSL for BSL support.