Domestic Violence Prevention During the Holidays

During December, domestic violence increases, and it is a challenging time for anyone who experiences it. Also, it is a complicated time for the entire family who witness and experience it. Protecting yourself during the holidays can be tough but it is necessary for one’s emotional wellness and safety. Create a safety plan if you are traveling and when you are visiting family members. Have an emergency bag, emergency money, a list of contacts, and a network of friends or family members who can help you feel safe during the holidays. 

There are many reasons for domestic violence such as financial issues, family issues, alcohol consumption, substance abuse, and other factors. Other times when one partner has more control in the relationship and does verbal abuse; This creates a stressful situation and a loss of respect for each other. Unfortunately, some cases of domestic violence go unreported during the holidays because of hiding abuse from family, friends, and neighbors. Furthermore, domestic violence makes one partner make excuses for their actions in front of family, friends, and neighbors. Last, spending more time at home can make one partner to feel frustrated and stressed-out during the holidays.

Sometimes this frustration can make them verbal abuse and sexual abuse towards their partner. Yet, domestic violence can be prevented during the holidays and after the holidays. Recognize changes in their mood, behavioral actions, and other changes in the relationship. Respond and listen to them without getting judgmental. Next, ask them if they need help with a code word or a phrase that their partner might not know what it means. 

Having supportive friends and family members who can help you recover and make you feel safe during the holidays can help you feel less loneliness. You might feel more alone, uncomfortable, and have a mix of various emotions during this time; But it is necessary to have a safety plan to protect yourself from intimate partner violence. The holidays can build up more anxiety, nervousness, and fear especially if you are experiencing verbal and physical abuse from your partner. This tension can also make you feel guilty and blame yourself for everything that occurs to you during this time. Here is a list to protect yourself and to help you feel safe during the holiday season. 

1. Have copies of your passport, identification, medical insurance card, and other documents you might need when traveling.
2.  Also give copies to a friend or family member so they know you will be traveling with your partner. 
3. If you feel isolated, depressed, and need to leave your intimate partner because the situation is getting worse; Use a code word, phrase, or a short quote to let someone know and find a safe place to stay. 
4. Have an emergency bag, emergency money, and hygiene products ready at your friend's home or with a family member you can trust. 
5. If you are traveling with your intimate partner, let someone know that you are traveling and to do check ins.
6. If you know someone is experiencing domestic violence, do check ins and listen to them carefully.
7. Offer to help them leave their intimate partner and make sure they are ready to leave their partner because of domestic violence. 
8. Get resources to help them find a safe place and a therapist for their recovery. 
9. If you are in a relationship with an intimate partner who is violent, make a safety plan for yourself and your children. 
10. If you suspect someone experiencing domestic violence, report it and call the police. 
11. Do not leave any drinks unattended.
12. Surrounding yourself with many trustworthy family members and letting them know you need their help with a number or a code word.
13. Have several code words to let someone know to report it, to call the police, to pick you up, and to take you to a safe place. 
14. Have extra clothing, extra blankets, pillows, and other items you will need to spend the night at your friend's home or with a family member. 
15. Have extra food and a care package ready for them while making them feel safe, especially if they just left their intimate partner. 
16. Have an extra cellphone, tablet, or a computer at a trusted family member’s home or at a friend's home. 
17. Keep an extra sleeping bag or an extra room for them to stay and to feel safe. 

Pay attention to your surroundings. If you do not feel safe and sense that your partner will harm you; Leave immediately and find the nearest shelter for domestic violence. Furthermore, call or text a trusted friend or family member so they know you are safe. Do not worry or feel upset about leaving your partner. Recognize, accept, and find a safe place to stay for your emotional wellness. 

Being in an abusive relationship during the holidays also affects children. Recognize any changes in the child's mood, being withdrawn, quiet, and feeling sad. If you witness domestic violence, report it, and call the police, especially if they are in danger. Preventing domestic violence during the holidays is possible and can save someone's life. Here are resources for having a safety plan during the holidays.

Safety Planning for Holidays and Weekends-The Hotline:

Safety Planning for Holidays and Weekends-The Hotline

Behind the Holiday Glow: Addressing Domestic Violence During the Holidays:

Behind the Holiday Glow: Addressing Domestic Violence During the Holidays

Domestic Violence and The Holidays: What You Should Know-Women Against Crime:

Domestic Violence and The Holidays: What You Should Know-Women Against Crime

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