Holiday Domestic Violence

While for many, the holidays are a symbol of love, peace, and empathy, victims of domestic violence know that holiday cheer is not theirs for the taking. Woefully, domestic violence (DV) incidents spike during the season, filling the air with fear, anger, and pain in homes across America. Why is this time of year so violent for many families across the country?

Harrowing Statistics 

During a typical year, an average of 20 people endure physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner every minute of any given day. That amounts to over 10 million people, which translates to 20,000 calls to DV hotlines. In fact, 15 percent of all violent crime in the country is related to domestic violence. Women account for 60 percent of victims, while four in ten are men. Appallingly, 1 out of every 15 children in the country is exposed to such violence — most frequently as eyewitnesses. As bad as these numbers are, things get even worse during the holidays, with interventions by police increasing by at least 20 percent. Why is the most festive time of the year filled with aggression and pain for so many?

Issues Impacting Holiday Violence 

People who use violence against intimate partners are a threat any time, but the union of several factors leads to higher than usual rates of DV during the holiday season:

1. Abusers spend more time with their families during this time, meaning there are more opportunities to be triggered to violence.
2. Drinking is common during seasonal celebrations, and many use time away from work to access other drugs, as well.
3. Expectations related to spending for gifts and activities lead to pressure, shame, frustration, and violence.
4. Traffic congestion, parking dilemmas, crowds, and other difficulties escalate tension for anyone, and for those with explosive tendencies, it can be dangerous.
5. The expectation to present as a loving, tight-knit family may fuel anxieties that lead to DV.
6. Spending more time interacting with extended family can be another stress-point that agitates aggressors.
7. 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 must unite to protect those vulnerable to the effects of domestic violence. Recognizing signs of a problem can be a critical step in providing needed assistance. Markers of an abusive individual often include:

1. Being verbally and emotionally abusive;
2. Isolating an intimate partner;
3. Blaming a partner for problems;
4. Displaying hypersensitivity;
5. Controlling the movements, actions, and relationships of an intimate partner;
6. Having unreasonable expectations.

Signs Someone May be Experiencing DV 

Many who are on the receiving end of DV attempt to conceal what’s going on in their lives. Indications of a potential problem include:

1. Mysterious bruising or marks, or wearing items to cover up indicators of violence;
2. Excessive excuses for being unable to attend family functions;
3. Being checked up on constantly by their intimate partner;
4. Requiring  permission to talk on the phone, spend money, or go places.

DV is Real 

The dedicated Springfield family attorneys at Courtney & Mills 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 Springfield office today.