Family violence is expected to peak over the Christmas holiday season, with police statistics showing that almost 10 per cent of incidents of abuse reported last year occurred in December.Of the 35,720 family incidents reported to Victoria Police in 2009, 3566 happened in the final month of the year.Since 2003 there have been 686 reported incidents on Christmas Day, with 975 reported incidents on New Year’s Day since 2004. In Bendigo, more than 30 women sought help because of domestic violence during the five days from Christmas Day.From December 25 to December 30, Emergency Accommodation and Support Enterprise had 13 walk-ins who needed help and 21 police referrals.EASE chief executive Margaret Augerinos said although abuse occurred all year round for some woman and children, it was often exacerbated during the festive season, particularly when drugs and alcohol were consumed or custody issues not yet finalised.She said tensions could occur when separated fathers sought access to their children over the holidays or when there was a disagreement about where Christmas should be celebrated.“It’s these situations that can trigger violence,’’ she said.“Often child handovers can be a dangerous time as men can use them as an opportunity to use further violence and abuse, so make sure that occurs at a safe place – a police station or in public – to lessen the chances of that happening,’’ she said.To help curb family violence, Victoria Police yesterday launched a revised family violence code of conduct.The new code will ensure all women receive a more supportive response when reporting offences of abuse.“In my own experiences as a police officer, I have seen the profound effects family violence, sexual assault and child abuse has on people’s lives,’’ Chief Commissioner Simon Overland said.“Our statistics are indicating that while Christmas may be a happy time for many families, it can also be a turbulent time for many others, with reports of family violence escalating.’’On Christmas Eve last year, police across the state were called to 125 incidents. The number eased to 108 on Christmas Day, before rising to 142 on New Year’s Day. December 28 was the worst day of the month, with 144 reports. Many other incidents went unreported, with victims fearful of the consequences. For support or help contact the Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service on 9373 0123 or contact EASE on 1800 884 038.For police assistance contact 000.