Support workers are bracing themselves for a huge rise in the number of domestic violence cases they deal with this Christmas.

Experts are blaming the harsh economic climate for shocking new figures which has seen the number of incidents reported to the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Domestic Violence Team soar by 300 per cent this year.

Members of the team say they will be put under severe strain helping the victims of domestic violence over the festive period which they expect to be double the figure for Christmas 2010.

Team manager Debbie Fawcett has warned the numbers of attacks on family members are likely to increase.

She said: "Christmas is the worst time for this and January is the month when we are at our busiest.

"We have dealt with more than 800 families last year and this year we are expecting it to be a lot higher – probably double that.

"The number of police referrals have gone up and there are more cases out there."

The Accrington-based team has helped more than 800 families who have been victims of violent family members in the past year.

The number of victims referred to the team has risen from 30 a month to 100.

Ms Fawcett said that the number of incidents of domestic violence usually goes up at Christmas when families spend more time together and people tend to drink more alcohol.

The increase in service demand comes as the team battles to secure funding grants for next year.

It employs 17 staff and costs £400,000 to run each year. It receives 30 per cent of its funding from local authorities and 70 per cent from other grants.

Debbie added: "In the past we used to apply for 10 grants and get about eight of them. Now we get about two.

"Therefore we are having to put 40 applications in and each one takes a week or two to write up. It’s a massive task."

A National White Ribbon Day will be held on Friday, November 25 in a bid to end domestic abuse.

Around 70 per cent of all referrals to the team come from the Hyndburn area with women making up more than 80 per cent of the victims.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Cooke at Lancashire Constabulary said: "Domestic abuse can devastate families and relationships.

"We are keen to support this campaign and let residents know that we are working to keep them safe."

For more information call the team's helpline on 01254 879855 or visit www.harvoutreach.org.uk