As the festive season approaches, many people look forward to celebrating with family and friends. However, for those living with an abusive partner or relative, Christmas can be a particularly frightening and isolating time.
Last year The Guardian reported a 15% spike in domestic abuse reports to helplines and refuges over the festive period, though they reason that this is an underestimation due to so many cases remaining unreported.
At Slater Heelis, our team of family solicitors are on hand to support those separating from abusive partners, and can help obtain legal protection for them and their children.
The Impact of Christmas on Domestic Abuse Case Rates
While most families are busy preparing for joyful celebrations, the festive season can heighten the risks associated with domestic abuse. Several factors contribute to this increased vulnerability:
- Increased Alcohol Consumption: The holiday season often involves more social gatherings where alcohol is present. For some, this can lead to heightened aggression and volatility, particularly in abusive relationships.
- Financial Pressures: The commercial aspects of Christmas can create additional stress. The pressure to provide gifts and celebrations can lead to conflict, especially if financial resources are strained.
- Extended Family Commitments: The demands of family gatherings can intensify tensions, leading to an increase in abusive behaviour. Perpetrators may feel overwhelmed and lash out, leaving victims feeling trapped and unsafe.
- Absence of Safeguards: Where adults are not going to work and children not attending school instances of domestic abuse are more easily hidden and less likely to be reported. Individuals may find it harder to access support.
Given these factors, it is not uncommon for incidents of domestic abuse to rise during the Christmas period, leaving victims particularly vulnerable.
Understanding Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse encompasses a wide range of behaviours, including:
- Physical Abuse: Any form of violence or physical harm.
- Emotional and Psychological Abuse: Manipulation, intimidation, and controlling behaviours that undermine a person’s self-worth.
- Financial Abuse: Controlling access to financial resources, making it difficult for the victim to gain independence.
- Coercive Control: A pattern of behaviour that seeks to control and dominate another person.
It is important to recognise that these behaviours can constitute criminal offences and should be reported to the police.
Steps to Take if You Are Experiencing Domestic Abuse at Christmas
If you find yourself in an abusive situation, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones:
1. Contact Support Helplines
Reach out to support services that can provide assistance. Keep the contact details of the following helplines in a secure location:
- Refuge: 0808 2000 247
- Victim Support: 0808 1689 111
- Samaritans: 116 123
2. Prepare Essential Documents
- Gather important documents such as passports, birth certificates, and financial records. Make copies of these documents and keep them in a safe place in case you need to leave quickly. Ensure you have access to money and keys.
3. Plan Your Exit
Take time to develop a plan for leaving the property. Identify a safe location and consider how you will get there. Many refuges offer designated transport to assist individuals in need.
4. Communicate Your Situation
Once you are in a safe place, contact the relevant helpline. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your situation.
5. Report the Abuse
While it may be difficult, it is crucial to inform trusted friends, family members, or your GP about your situation. Encourage them to document any incidents you disclose, as this can be helpful for future support.
6. Contact a Solicitor
Once you are safe, you can contact a solicitor to discuss legal protections for you, your children and your home. A solicitor can help you secure a safe return home and the exclusion of the abuser from the property.
Legal Protections Available
If you are suffering from domestic abuse, there are several legal options available to you:
Protective Orders
- Non-Molestation Orders: These orders can prohibit the perpetrator from harassing, intimidating, or communicating with you. They can also prevent them from coming within a certain distance of your home or workplace. Non-molestation orders can last for months and may sometimes be granted without the perpetrator being notified.
- Occupation Orders: These orders regulate who can live in the family home. They can exclude the perpetrator from the home for a specified period, providing you with a sense of security.
- Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPN): The police can issue a DVPN to exclude a perpetrator from the home for 48 hours. Following this, they can apply for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) that can last up to 28 days, allowing you time to seek further protection.
- Restraining Orders: These can be issued by the Criminal Court following criminal proceedings against the perpetrator.
New Developments in Legal Protections
Recent initiatives are being piloted in some police forces to introduce Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPN) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPO). These aim to provide enhanced protections for victims of domestic abuse.
Seeking Help
If you are facing domestic abuse at Christmas, it is vital to know that you are not alone. Reach out to a helpline, and our solicitors are here to support you through this challenging time.
If you need legal assistance or guidance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our family legal team. You can get in touch with our team on 0330 111 3131 or via our contact form.