DENVER -- The intense pressure from a tough economy is putting intense pressure on families. Since September, the Women's Crisis and Family Outreach Center said the number of women calling about domestic violence has tripled.

"And of course that was the beginning of the economic downturn," said Jennifer Walker, executive director of the Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center.

Walker said the economy does not cause domestic violence, but rather escalate the violence.

"The economic downturn rolls around and the stress levels go up and it pushes the abuse to a more heightened and escalated level," said Walker. "And that is when we are getting those phone calls of people wanting to get out of those violent situations."

It's so bad the center is forced to turn away seven to eight abused women every day.

"It is very hard, especially when we know they need that assistance, they need that help," said Walker. "You don't really know what is going to happen to them because you know other shelters are experiencing the same the same thing that we are experiencing."

The crisis center has also seen an increase in their out-client services, such as counseling. Currently, Walker said they have a wait list of almost 30 women and children.

Walker urges anyone involved in a domestic violence situation to call a crisis hotline or United Way by dialing 211.

The Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center can be found at TWCFOC.org.