Domestic Violence and the Holidays

 Posted on December 15, 2023 in Domestic Abuse

If you are currently married to a person who has been violent towards you or your children, this holiday season might feel more scary than celebratory. You should know that domestic violence often gets worse, not better, during the holidays. If you are considering divorce, this might be the right time to leave. You will need to make a safety plan. You may have already noticed escalating violence, or you may have already experienced it in years past. Your safety plan may include getting an Order of Protection that will remove your abuser from the home before serving them with divorce papers. A well-qualified Arlington Heights, IL, divorce attorney who has experience helping survivors of domestic violence can take steps to make your divorce as safe as possible for you and your family. 

Facts About Domestic Violence During the Holiday Season

It is a well-established fact that domestic violence increases during the holiday season. There are more arrests, more police reports filed that sadly go nowhere, and more calls made to domestic violence hotlines. There are a number of possible reasons for this, including:

• Substance use - Alcohol tends to flow freely during the holidays. Adults who are on break from work are more inclined to start using substances more frequently and earlier in the day. Alcohol can make some people more likely to become angry and violent. 
• Stress - The holidays can be stressful for adults. Money is often stretched thin during this season, which can lead to anxiety, anger, and worry. Abusers may take their feelings out on their partner or children. 
• Opportunity - Families tend to spend a lot more time together during breaks from school or work, especially on holidays. Sadly, this gives an abuser many more opportunities to hurt their family. 
• Sexist expectations - There is a strong correlation between men who have sexist beliefs and men who abuse women. These men often expect their wives to create the “perfect” holiday and place tremendous pressure on them to do so and may resort to violence if their expectations are not met. 

In addition to instances of domestic violence being more frequent, the level of violence seen is often more serious during the holidays. Tragically, family violence can become more lethal during this time. Deaths from domestic assaults can increase. 

If you are facing violence at home, there is help available. The longer you stay, the worse it is likely to get. 

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL, Divorce Lawyer

Law Offices of Donald J. Cosley has many years of experience assisting survivors of domestic violence who are ready to get divorced and get to safety. Don Cosley, a passionate Cook County, IL, divorce lawyer, will carefully formulate a safety plan to help you stay protected during your divorce. Contact us at 847-253-3100 for a complimentary consultation.