HELP is available for Keighley people who suffer domestic abuse over the festive period.

Charity Staying Put says some victims are reluctant to come forward at this time of year for fear of ‘spoiling’ their family’s Christmas.

But the organisation urges people to speak out if they need help.

The stresses of the season traditionally spark a rise in incidents of domestic violence.

"Many survivors – especially women – fear the festive period," said Yasmin Khan, director of Bradford-based Staying Put.

"We know there is a huge amount of pressure on people to hang on to their relationships and keep their families together over Christmas, and guilt about creating the perfect day.

"But we also know that the strains of the Christmas period can lead to a spike in abuse.

"The combination of financial pressures and families being cooped up together, mixed in with alcohol, can have a devastating impact on the wellbeing of victims and survivors.

"We want to let people know that help is available.

"You may feel you have to provide the 'perfect Christmas', but domestic abuse should not be accepted at any time of the year or during any period of celebration.

"You are not 'spoiling Christmas' – your abuser is.

"Please, speak out and don't let them get away with it."

Staying Put has a freephone helpline, 0808 2800999, which operates weekdays.

Its offices will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, but a national domestic violence freephone helpline is open 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.

For more details about the services provided by Staying Put, visit stayingput.uk.net.

The charity – together with a survivor, just known as Evie, who was helped by it – are currently running a campaign calling for emergency identification to be provided to survivors whose ID has been destroyed by their abusive partner.

A petition has been launched at you.38degrees.org.uk/p/idoexist.