We all start to prepare for the holiday season, hanging lights and decorating our homes; as it is supposed to be a joyful and peaceful time to many of us. Unfortunately, the holidays can be an even more dangerous time than usual for those at risk for domestic violence.
Some of the reasons the risk of intimate partner violence increases during the holiday season can be caused by the financial stress of buying gifts to an overall increase of alcohol consumption. Family gatherings can be stressful; survivors don’t want to disturb their family cohesiveness on these days. Survivors of abuse don’t want to disturb family rituals or separate children from their family during a holiday, regardless of abuse that may be occurring. Survivors can’t find a private time to make a call for support, however calls will often increase above normal levels the days and weeks following a holiday.
PAVE is available 24/7. There is always a trained advocate here to help with any questions, to safety plan, or provide options counseling. PAVE is here to help victims and survivors through the holiday season.
