Christmas time is supposed to be one of joy and cheer, where families come together.

But for some Canberrans it is the opposite, as their relationships are put under strain.

Over the festive period, calls to domestic violence support centres soar, so much so that the ACT Government funds a specific program to help those in need through the holidays.

The Domestic Violence Christmas Program runs until late January, and helps people to access emergency accommodation or find ways to be safe in their own home.

Executive director of the Domestic Violence Crisis Service Mirjana Wilson says the number of reported crises can double at this time of year.

"Christmas is a time full of expectations and how you should be doing Christmas, there's a lot of financial stresses placed on people," she said.

"People are having to get together with people that perhaps they don't see at other times of the year and that can bring out a lot of things.

"Increased alcohol usage can [also] be a contributor."

Minister for Housing Shane Rattenbury says the $75,000 program is run collaboratively by Housing ACT, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service and specialist homelessness services.

"It's a recognition of the fact that people often need crisis accommodation in a very short space of time given the situation that can exist in the family home," he said.

"If the situation can't be resolved, then there are ongoing programs, [like] access to public housing, that become the longer term response."

Ms Wilson says it is mostly women and children who have the most need for the program.

"We usually end up with the whole accommodation full by the end of the program," she said.

Ms Wilson says it is a sobering reminder that not everyone's Christmas will be merry.