Domestic violence calls expected to increase

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Domestic violence calls are expected to go up during the holiday season. But agencies are ready for the increase.

Family services of Tulare County says publicized domestic violence issues like the video of Ray Rice hitting his fianc has resulted in more victims reporting abuse.

Normally family services' shelter is slow before the holidays but this year it's full. The group has seen a 36 percent rise in calls to their hotline and more calls are coming into emergency dispatch too.

Capt. Rick Haskill with the Visalia Police Department said, "Unfortunately these incidents are occurring if it took the NFL to prompt more people to actually report that then that can be a good thing."

Donations and volunteers keep family services open 24-7 and even if the shelter is full they will still get victims to a safe place. They encourage anyone in a violent relationship to build an escape plan.

You can get information as well as help by calling their hotline at (559)732-5941

Watch the video for extended coverage from Action News reporter Kate Valentine.