For many, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, bringing families and loved ones together. However, for those living with an abusive partner or relative, the festive season can become a distressing and isolating period. Reports indicate that domestic abuse cases often increase during this time, with last year’s figures showing a 15% spike in calls to helplines and refuges over the Christmas period. Unfortunately, this number is likely underestimated, as many cases remain unreported.
At FJG, our family solicitors are here to provide support and legal advice to those affected by domestic abuse, offering guidance to help individuals and their children find safety and security and where required an application to the court for protective Order(s).
Why Does Domestic Abuse Increase at Christmas?
The holiday season, while joyful for many, can exacerbate conditions that often lead to abusive behaviour. Key factors include:
- Alcohol Consumption: Increased drinking during festive celebrations can heighten aggression, particularly in already volatile relationships.
- Financial Strain: The pressure to meet the demands of Christmas shopping and hosting can create tension and conflict.
- Extended Family Commitments: Large gatherings and familial obligations can escalate stress and lead to abusive behaviour.
- Reduced Safeguards: With schools closed and workplaces on holiday, there are fewer opportunities for victims to seek help or escape the home environment.
These factors, combined with the stress and expectations of the season, can make Christmas particularly dangerous and distressing for victims of abuse.
What Is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse can manifest in many forms,these include:
- Physical Abuse: Acts of violence or physical harm.
- Emotional and Psychological Abuse: Manipulation, threats, and controlling behaviours that erode self-esteem.
- Financial Abuse: Restricting access to money or resources, limiting a victim’s independence.
- Coercive Control: A pattern of controlling behaviours aimed at dominating another person.
These behaviours are not only harmful but are also recognised as criminal offences. It is important to understand that help is available both from the family court and also the criminal justice system.
Steps to Take if You Are Experiencing Domestic Abuse
If you are in an abusive situation, particularly during the Christmas period, taking the following steps can help protect you and your loved ones. No situation is the same, so any steps need to be taken safely:
- Contact Support Helplines
Keep important contact numbers such as Refuge (0808 2000 247), Victim Support (0808 1689 111), and Samaritans (116 123) readily available in a safe and accessible place. - Prepare Essential Documents
Secure vital documents, such as passports, birth certificates, marriage/civil partnership certificates and financial records. Store them in a safe location or with a trusted person. - Develop an Exit Plan
Identify a safe place to go if you need to leave urgently. Refuges often provide transport and immediate assistance to those escaping abuse. - Inform Trusted Contacts
Share your situation with trusted friends, family members, or your GP. Their documentation of incidents can provide crucial support later. - Seek Legal Advice
Contact a solicitor to understand your rights and options for protecting yourself and your children. - Call the Police
If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, call 999 and listen to the questions from the operator and, if you can, respond by coughing or tapping on the handset.
Call 999 from a mobile. If prompted, press 55 to Make Yourself Heard and this will transfer your call to the police. Pressing 55 only works on mobiles and does not allow police to track your location.
Call 999 from a landline. If the operator can only hear background noise and cannot decide whether an emergency service is needed, you will be connected to a police call handler.
If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick up again.
When 999 calls are made from landlines, information about your location should be automatically available to the call handlers to help provide a response.
Legal Protections Against Domestic Abuse
Several legal measures, which can cover varying durations, are available to provide safety and security for victims of domestic abuse:
- Non-Molestation Orders: Preventing the perpetrator from using or threatening violence, contacting or harassing you, loitering around your home (non -exhaustive) with immediate protection in some cases.
- Occupation Orders: Determining who can reside in the family home, ensuring the perpetrator is excluded if necessary.
- Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs) and Orders (DVPOs): Temporary measures issued by the police to give victims time to seek further protection.
- Restraining Orders: Issued after criminal proceedings, prohibiting the perpetrator from contacting you.
New legal developments, such as Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Orders (DAPOs), are being piloted in some areas to enhance protections for victims.
How FJG Can Help
Our dedicated family law team is here to offer compassionate advice and practical legal solutions. Whether you need help securing protective orders, navigating family home disputes, or ensuring the safety of your children, we are committed to supporting you through this challenging time.
Charlotte Knappett is a Partner and Head of our Family team specialising in divorce & separation, private children law and domestic abuse.
If you have any queries on the above subject, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Charlotte on 01206 217588 or complete our online enquiry form.