The agency’s chief officer, Mike Cutland, said the Christmas and New Year period normally led to an increase in the number of reports of domestic abuse.
But he added that the service was concerned that the stress caused by the pandemic and social restrictions could lead to the situation being worse than normal during this festive season.
The appeal comes after two men were remanded in custody this week after being arrested on suspicion of domestic-abuse-related offences.
Mr Cutland said: ‘The challenge of coping with the pandemic and the increasing restrictions on our ability to work and socialise adds another layer of difficulty to the situation. We know that for some people this difficult time has stretched relationships to breaking point.’
He added: ‘For many years we have worked with clients who have not been arrested but have reached out for help in coping with relationships they are worried will become abusive. Their feedback has indicated that they have found the interventions we provided to have been extremely helpful.’
Anyone concerned about their own behaviour or thoughts is urged to call the Probation Service on 441900 for support.
Victims of domestic abuse can call the domestic abuse service on 880505 or the Women’s Refuge on 768368.
