Why domestic abuse increases over Christmas

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In December, over 200 people were arrested in Gloucestershire for domestic abuse offences. Unfortunately, reports of domestic abuse often increase during the Christmas period.

In this blog, our domestic abuse solicitors look at why incidents of domestic abuse peak around Christmas and what you can do if you’ve been subjected to domestic violence.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 999.

Why does domestic abuse increase over Christmas?

It is hard to pinpoint exactly why domestic violence increases over Christmas, but there are some key themes:

Alcohol

Whether it’s Christmas parties or just a general increase in alcohol consumption to celebrate the festivities, excess drinking can lead to heightened aggression and violence. Alcohol can also exacerbate existing stressors, tensions and mental health issues, leading to new, more intense or more frequent incidents.

Stress

For many, Christmas isn’t the most wonderful time of the year. For some, money is tight and the pressure to spend it can be a source of stress and tension. Negative family dynamics can also become more apparent over the festive period, leading to arguments and/or increased tension. Whatever the source of stress, it can manifest as physical or mental abuse, and this is often taken out on those closest to the person.

Absence of support

With adults taking time off work, children not attending school and general routines being disrupted, the signs of domestic abuse are not always spotted and reported. The Christmas break can often lead to reduced support from charities or helplines, meaning it can be harder to find help when you most need it.

This absence of or reduced support can result in abusive behaviour continuing or getting worse.


It is not only Christmas that sees a spike in domestic violence; it is also thought that incidents increase during other points of the year, such as during sporting events; for example, the World Cup.

What are the signs of domestic abuse?

The signs of domestic abuse vary from person to person and depend on the situation. While there are common signs, it is important to remember that if you have an inkling that a loved one may be in danger or has been in danger, there are various ways to help them. Women’s Aid has some useful guidance on how to help someone experiencing domestic abuse here.

If you are concerned that you may be at risk of domestic abuse from your partner, under Clare’s Law, you have the right to ask the Police if they have a previous record of abusive behaviour.

Some common ways to recognise domestic abuse are:

  • Physical abuse or violence: it could be one outburst or several regular incidents. This can also include Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
  • Verbal abuse: for example, destructive criticism, shouting, mocking, mimicking or making verbal threats.
  • Disrespect: for example, putting you down in front of other people, not listening or responding to you or refusing to help with household chores or childcare.
  • Isolation: for example, telling you you cannot leave the house or preventing you from seeing friends or family. It can also include monitoring or blocking access to your phone and communication channels such as social media.
  • Pressure tactics, e.g. threatening to report you to the police if you seek help, withholding access to your children or taking the car away so you cannot escape.
  • Threats (physical or verbal)
  • Coercive control
  • Sexual violence: for example, pressure to have sex when you don’t want to or using force to make you perform sexual acts.
  • Denial and gaslighting: e.g. saying the abuse doesn’t happen, blaming you for causing the abuse and trying to convince you that it won’t happen again.
  • Financial abuse: for example, refusing access to bank accounts or taking money from you.
  • Harassment and stalking
  • Online/digital abuse

Domestic abuse is not limited to romantic relationships; it can happen between friends or family members and at any time in a relationship.

What can domestic abuse victims do?

If you have been subject to domestic violence, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

Support helplines

There are some amazing  support helplines dedicated to domestic abuse, including:

Report your abuser

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the Police to seek urgent help and to report your abuser. If you can’t talk and are calling on a mobile phone, press 55 and your call with automatically be put through to the Police.

Once the Police are involved and you are out of danger, they will take the relevant steps to keep your abuser away from you and your children. In the first instance, your abuser will likely be arrested and taken into custody. They may be charged and given a prison sentence. The abuser may also be given a Restraining Order.

If the abuse has already happened, it is important to still report it. You can report domestic abuse to the Police online or at a Police station. If you have reported abuse online and are worried that your search history will be monitored, you can clear your browser history. It is also important to tell a trusted friend or family member, your GP and your employer about the situation.

Gather your important documents

Even if you have not been subject to controlling behaviour regarding access to your important documents, it is a good idea to find your passport, birth certificate and financial records (for you and your children, if applicable). It is also wise to keep your keys and bank card/s handy. This means that should you need to escape quickly; you have access to these key documents.

Plan an exit

Depending on the urgency of the situation, our domestic abuse lawyers can help you plan your exit. We work with dedicated charities and groups that help with accommodation if needed.

If you need to escape urgently and have the means to do so, it is important to go to a safe place such as a friend or family member’s home, a public place such as a café or even a supermarket, or a refuge.

Contact a domestic abuse solicitor

Once you are safe, it is important to contact a lawyer who specialises in domestic abuse. They can put various legal protections in place to protect you and your children. A domestic abuse lawyer can put the following orders in place to keep you safe and help stop further abuse:

  • Non-Molestation Order: this prevents your former partner/abuser from using or threatening to use violence towards you and your children. It also inhibits them from harassing or pestering you or your children and coming near your property.
  • Occupation Order: this court order states who can or cannot live in, visit or enter a particular home or an area around it. It helps ensure the abuser leaves your home and prevents them from living there for a defined period. The police can assist if necessary.

Contact our domestic abuse solicitors

Our domestic abuse lawyers will do all we can to help you. We will provide common sense advice and support, and make sure that you are aware of all the legal options.

To speak to us, call 0117 325 2929 or fill out our online enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

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