Why is there an increase in domestic violence after Christmas?

Christmas is meant to be a happy time of the year where people get to spend time with their loved ones and friends and family members. However, it is not the “most wonderful time of the year” for some people. For some, it can be difficult and as a result, there can be an increase in domestic abuse within the family home. Some of the originating points for this are:

• Stress – Christmas can be difficult where money is restricted and there is expectation and pressure on people to buy gifts for loved ones and/or their children so that they are not missing out and the guilt associated with that if they are not able to do so
• Negative family relationships - It can be difficult to have numerous members of family or friends round for dinner when the relationships are somewhat fragile leading to stress and anxiety. When you throw alcohol into the mix, tempers can sometimes flare
• Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to aggression and violence. Families being “cooped up” in the family home for a period of two weeks or more can put pressure on the family. This in turn can lead to excessive alcohol consumption, again raising tempers
• Some families that have support from professional charities or within the school setting, lose this support during the festive period, which can also make relationships within the home quite fractious.

Should you have encountered difficult times over the Christmas period, you are not alone, and there are many things that can be done to provide you with the support and assistance you need. If you have been physically harmed or threatened, you should telephone the Police who can assist you in terms of removing the perpetrator from the family home should this be necessary. You can also speak to many Charities specialising in domestic abuse who can provide advice and assistance.

If you are the person leaving the family home, try and remember to take all important documents with you such as your Passport, Birth Certificate, Driving Licence and Bank cards.

Try and plan your exit with the support from family and friends or domestic abuse charities.

Once you are safe and well, contact our friendly team of family lawyers who will be able to advise you as to protective orders that are available to you, such as a Non-Molestation and Occupation Order. Let us help to ensure that you and any children are safe from further incidents.