Christchurch earthquake - Take care of one another

Incidents of family violence and suicide rose following September's earthquake and anecdotally officers are already starting to see a similar trend of domestic reports emerging.

Supt Russell Gibson said: "The stress and trauma of Tuesday's earthquake is understandably taking its toll, and the continual aftershocks are exacerbating the tiredness and emotional fatigue. However family violence is not OK under any circumstances and it is important that situations are not allowed to escalate.

"I urge you to take care of one another and pull together. If situations start to get heated at home, take a deep breath and a step back; maybe go for a walk or go and chat things through with a friend or family member. "

If support isn't available within the family group, support should be sought early. Help, advice and information is available on 0800 1 REFUGE.