Domestic abuse cases expected to rise over Christmas, charity warns

For most people, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration spent with family, friends and loved-ones.

But, for some, it is sadly a time spent of suffering and fear as figures show that domestic abuse increases at this time of the year.

Each year, domestic abuse reports rise over the festive period. This can often be due to people drinking more alcohol, pressures of spending time together, and more social occasions – which can often trigger jealousy and controlling behaviour in abusers.

Police forces and charities are issuing warnings ahead of the festive period, as the demand for services is expected to rise.

A spokesperson for Boston Women’s Aid said:

“We often see a rise in referrals leading up to and just after Christmas. This is often because Christmas comes with a lot of expectations, with families spending more time at home together, increased financial pressures – plus the alcohol that’s often involved.

“It’s a time when the children are on holiday and do not have school to escape to, and this can have a massive impact on them and put a strain on some families. It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for many families, it can be very frightening and isolating.”

Figures show that the police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds, yet it is estimated that less than 24% of domestic abuse crime is reported to the police. And this figure rises over the two-week Christmas period.

In 2021, the law changed which means that children affected by domestic abuse will be automatically treated as victims regardless of whether they were present during violent incidents. This means that young people get automatic access to support like mental health and safeguarding services.

What is Domestic Abuse?

Women’s charity Refuge says that domestic abuse may be prevalent if you find yourself altering your behaviour because you’re worried about how your partner might react. Domestic abuse can be both physical, mental and sexual – and all can be just as destructive.

Types of Domestic Abuse

Psychological/emotional abuse: This could include name-calling, threats and manipulation, blaming you for the abuse or ‘gas-lighting’ you.
Economic abuse: Controlling your access to money or resources, take your wages, stop you working, or put you in debt without your knowledge or consent
Sexual abuse: This doesn’t have to be physical. They might manipulate, deceive or coerce you into doing things you don’t want to do.
Coercive control: When an abuser uses a pattern of behaviour over time to exert power and control. It is a criminal offence.
Physical abuse: Not only hitting. They might restrain you or throw objects. They might pinch or shove you and claim it’s a ‘joke’.
Tech abuse: They might send abusive texts, demand access to your devices, track you with spyware, or share images of you online.

Signs to look out for

Refuge has issued some questions – and if you find yourself answering ‘yes’ to any of the below, you might be experiencing domestic abuse.

Is your partner jealous and possessive?
Are they charming one minute and abusive the next?
Do they tell you what to wear, where to go, who to see?
Do they constantly put you down?
Do they play mind games and make you doubt your judgement?
Do they control your money, or make sure you are dependent on them for everyday things?
Do they pressure you to have sex when you don’t want to?
Are you starting to walk on eggshells to avoid making them angry?
Do they control your access to medicine, devices or care that you need?
Do they monitor or track your movements or messages?
Do they use anger and intimidation to frighten and control you?

How to support someone experiencing domestic abuse

Supporting someone experiencing domestic abuse can be difficult, and the best course of action to take can be confusing. Refuge has outlined the best way you can help.

Create a safe space – Make sure you speak in private. Make it clear you won’t judge. Only then might they feel safe enough to open up.
Express your concern. Try “You haven’t seemed yourself lately. Is there anything you want to talk about? Is everything OK at home?”
Take them seriously. Listen. Believe them. Women are often dismissed. They’re told he seems like a nice guy, or a great dad. Trust what she says.
Tell them it’s not their fault. Your friend might take the blame. Tell them this is not the case. Their partner alone is responsible.
Don’t judge. Don’t ask why they haven’t left or judge their choices. Instead, build their confidence and focus on their strengths.
Remind them they are not alone. They may have been deliberately isolated. Say you are there for them, and that there are solutions and that support is available.
Encourage them to contact us. Reassure her that she can contact Refuge 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Help her find out about her rights and options.
Give them time. It might take a long time before they confide in you. Be patient. Recognising the problem is the first step.

Domestic Abuse and the law

Many kinds of domestic abuse are criminal offences and the police can arrest, caution or charge the prosecutor. Abusers can be sentenced to life imprisonment for the most severe offences.

The government introduced the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 which set out guidelines and definitions of Domestic Abuse as well as providing more support for victims.

For more information on domestic abuse, and how to report it, visit the police website.

Making a claim

Domestic Abuse can be classed as a criminal injury, which means victims may be entitled to compensation as a result through the CICA scheme. The team at Oakwood Solicitors can help submit a claim if you have been a victim to domestic or sexual assault.

Domestic Abuse charities

Domestic Abuse charities are also on hand to help with support and reporting incidents. We have listed a number of charities that can help. Many charities offer support to report incidents discretely, via phone or text messages.