A refuge in Bradford for women fleeing domestic violence is full to capacity.

And staff at the Women’s Aid centre know they will get many more calls for help as relationships come under further strain during the festive break.

The number of reported incidents of domestic abuse traditionally soars at this time of year. Last December alone West Yorkshire Police dealt with 650 cases.

Women’s Aid is now making arrangements to refer people to similar organisations outside the district or use Bradford Council’s emergency bed and breakfast accommodation.

Mary West, team leader at the refuge which is at a secret location in the city, said: “We are full to capacity at the moment which is unusual for this time of year.

“Often many families don’t want to leave their homes during the Christmas period so we’re not sure why we are so busy at the moment.

“Usually we get more people contacting us after Christmas. I have worked here for 20 years and we usually have some space but not at the moment.

“We are linked up with other refuges and hopefully if we are contacted by anyone we would be able to refer them but that might be out of the city.

“The next option would be temporary accommodation from the housing, which generally means bed and breakfasts.”

The group’s outreach service is also over-stretched.

Lavena Lawrence, outreach team leader at Bradford Women’s Aid, said: “We have seen a significant increase in referrals in the last month.

“We are always available for anyone suffering domestic abuse but many other agencies close down over Christmas.

“For example it is difficult to get injunctions and the courts are closed as are many solicitor’s offices so prosecutions cannot go ahead.

“We are over-stretched, there are not enough staff to deal with the number of referrals we receive, especially at this time of year.

“But I would like to emphasise that anyone suffering abuse must make contact with us if they feel they need to.

“There is a solution to their problem.”

Teresa Parker, of the national Women’s Aid group, said the economic slide could be a factor for the rise in domestic violence.

She said: “Money worries can be a huge concern for women experiencing domestic violence, and can often be a key reason why they feel unable to leave an abusive relationship.

“During a recession fears can be increased, as there may be additional concerns about losing your house or being in negative equity and unable to sell the property.

“In some cases, additional pressures caused by money problems can make existing domestic violence even worse, and there may therefore be increased pressures on support services.”

Detective Inspector John Mountain of Airedale and North Bradford CID said cases of domestic violence were always treated seriously by the police.

“There is no excuse or justification for domestic abuse. Victims do have options and the police, together with our partner agencies, are here to help them make informed choices to protect themselves and their families,” he said.

Councillor Martin Smith, chairman of the Bradford Safer Communities Partnership, said: “Domestic abuse is never acceptable.

“Most families are able to enjoy the Christmas period, but for some this is a very frightening time.

“We encourage any victim to seek the help of the excellent services available to them in Bradford.”

e-mail: paddy.mcguffin @telegraphandargus.co.uk