Domestic Violence During the Holidays

While the holidays bring empathy, peace, and joy for many, survivors of domestic violence know that holiday cheer is not in their fortunes. Sadly, domestic violence (DV) incidents see a surge during the season, filled with trepidation, anger, and pain. Why is this time of year so difficult for many families across the country?

Harrowing Statistics 

Throughout the year, an average of 20 individuals experience physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner every minute. That comes to over 10 million people, 20,000 calls to DV hotlines, and 15 percent of all violent crime in the country. Six in ten victims are women, while four in ten are men. Tragically, 1 out of every 15 children are exposed to this violence — most often as eyewitnesses. During the holidays, interventions by police increase by another 20 percent. Why is the supposedly most happy time of the year so filled with aggression and pain?

Factors Impacting Holiday Violence 

Individuals who exert violence on intimate partners are a threat any time, but confluence of several factors lead to higher than usual rates of DV during the holiday season:

• Opportunity: Abusers spend more time with their families during this time, meaning there are more chances to be triggered to violence.
• Alcohol and Drugs: Drinking is commonplace during seasonal celebrations, and, with time away from work, many use the occasion to access various drugs, as well.
• Financial Stress: Expectations around spending for activities and gifts pressure many into violence due to shame and frustration.
• Holiday Stressors: Crowds, traffic congestion, parking dilemmas, and other difficulties increase tension for anyone, and for those with volatile tendencies, it can be dangerous.
• Image Pressures: The expectation to present as a loving, tight-knit family may fuel anxieties that lead to DV.
• Family: Spending more time interacting with extended family can be another stress-point that agitates aggressors.
• Limited Support Available: Shelters, counseling, hotlines, and other resources that might otherwise provide assistance are often short-staffed, leaving limited access to help.

Indications that Help is Needed

Families, friends, and communities need to come together to protect those vulnerable to the effects of domestic violence. Spotting signs of a problem can be a critical step in providing needed assistance. Indicators of an abusive individual often include:

• Verbal and emotional abuse;
• Hypersensitivity;
• Controlling movements, actions, and relationships;
• Isolating;
• Blaming;
• Having unreasonable expectations.

Signs Someone May be Experiencing DV 

Many who are on the receiving end of DV work hard to cover up what’s going on in their homes. Signs of a potential problem include:

• Unexplained bruises or marks, or wearing items to cover up indicators of violence;
• Inordinate excuses for being unable to attend family functions;
• Having an intimate partner constantly check up on them;
• Needing permission to talk on the phone or go places.

DV is Real 

The dedicated Miami domestic violence attorneys at The Law Office of Julia Kefalinos understand that domestic violence threatens millions of Americans every day. Regardless of gender, race, sexual identity, or other factors, you deserve a safe and healthy life. To discuss the legal resources available to help, contact our Miami office today.