Women's Refuges are struggling to keep up with demand as more people are in need of support following the holiday period.

There are more than a dozen emergency accommodation places for women in the city, but many have reached capacity.

Women's Refuge principal Ruth MacIntyre-Bardell estimates around 4,000 women are using services, ranging from helplines to emergency housing.

She said people face increased financial stress, domestic abuse due to alcohol intake, and a breakdown in relationships during this time of year.

"Pretty desperate. No one tends to leave their house either in the middle of the night or a situation unless it's a crisis moment. Also family members tend to go away on holiday, so traditional avenues of support aren't necessarily there."

The wait list for emergency accommodation for women in Auckland is growing, as more seek help due to the pressures of Christmas.

MacIntyre-Bardell is urging people to keep an eye on the women in their life.

"Keep an eye on family members and neighbours. Reaching out to people you know that might be in an unhealthy relationship. Those sorts of things can provide a lifeline essentially for some people."