WHILE Christmas is a festive and happy occasion for many Sunraysia families, for some it can be the most frightening time of year.

In Victoria, the number of family violence assaults spiked on Christmas Day and New Year's Day in 2020, with more than two-thirds of all assaults reported on the two holidays related to family violence.

Mildura statistics show that six in 10 family violence incidents are between a current or former partner and almost 90 per cent of them occur at home.

Victoria Police and family violence organisations are pleading with residents to take measures to keep safe during the holidays and to look out for family and friends.

Safe and equal chief executive officer Tania Farha said family violence services were swamped during the holiday season, and the increase in family violence incidents was "staggering".

"Specialist family violence services are overwhelmed with calls for help during what should be a happy time of year," Ms Farha said.

"As well as the Christmas lunch and unwrapping gifts, we're encouraging everyone to focus on what matters most -- each other.

"We can all play our part in looking out for friends, family and neighbours this year by asking the simple question 'are you safe at home?' It might just be the greatest gift of all."

According to the Crime Statistics Agency's latest family violence data, children were either a victim or witness to violence in 37 per cent of cases in Mildura across the past year.

While the most effected family members in Mildura were in the 25 to 34-year-old age group, followed by 25 to 34, in 2020 to 2021, there were 141 victims of reported family violence who were 17 and under.

Victoria Police family violence command assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway said there would be people, including children, who were be very worried about what the holiday period could bring.

"They will be thinking about whether there will be violence, whether it will be safe to stay at home, whether there is any money to fund leaving, or whether they can put on a brave face again in front of family and friends," AC Callaway said.

"My message to everyone is Victoria Police is here to stop family violence.

"We don't go on holidays for a reason – we know it's a high-risk time of the year."

Anyone who is in immediate danger should call 000.

Support services for anyone experiencing family violence, include Men's Referral Service - 1300 766 491, Victorian Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre - 1800 015 188 and sexual assault and family violence counselling - 1800 737 732

BY THE NUMBERS