Many domestic violence services have put on extra counsellors in preparation for an expected upsurge in people seeking to leave abusive relationships over the holiday period.
The incidents of family and sexual violence escalate over Christmas and New Year, and it’s often the busiest time of the year for shelters and domestic abuse helplines. Financial pressures, increased time spent with family and alcohol consumption all play a role in the higher than usual number of cases of domestic violence.
“Christmas is a prime time for people who are into power and control to dominate,” said Karen Willis, chief executive officer of Rape and Domestic Violence Services, Australia. Willis said perpetrators use “psychological warfare” to “undermine and ridicule” the hard work their partners had put into producing the perfect family gathering.
She also notes that disgruntled parents whose access to children is cut off before the holidays become “resentful and angry” at this time of year, making it a dangerous time of year for estranged partners.
Some shelters also face increased pressures to take on the overflow from shelters that are closed or full.
“It is important that we get a public awareness of domestic violence. The more we’re able to have a conversation around this, the better”.
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