Domestic Violence Often Escalates During The Holidays
As the holidays approach and families are beginning to plan activities together, some people in America live in fear of November and December. According to recent studies, domestic violence increases during the holiday months due to increased stress and economic burdens placed on families.
“Many people feel the need to stay in abusive relationships for the sake of the children or in the hopes that the holidays will change their partner’s behavior,” says Debbie Browning, women’s health coordinator for Clark Memorial Hospital. “Unfortunately, with the added expectations placed on families and the excessive consumption of alcohol, domestic violence is more prevalent during this time.”
According to the U.S. Department of Justice (USDJ), women experienced over 572,000 violent victimizations by their partners in an average year, and men experienced 49,000 incidents. The USDJ describes these types of violence as murders, rapes, robberies, or assaults. Most commonly, they are committed by spouses, ex-spouses, boyfriends, or girlfriends.
Unfortunately, these figures are not entirely accurate since much abuse is not reported,” adds Browning. “Most people are afraid or embarrassed to admit they have suffered an injury sustained from their partner.”
Domestic violence occurs regardless of education, income, race or ethnic group, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, immigration status, religious or marital status.
“Domestic violence is not an isolated incidence, but a gradual pattern of emotional and mental abuse and repeated physical abuse giving power to the violent partner,” continues Browning. “However, there are usually clues that a partner has the potential for violence.”
According to the Indiana State Department of Health, indicators of a violent relationship include:
- Pattern of abuse in the family or previous relationships;
- Violent temper and a tendency to pick fights;
- Dealing with anger violently, slamming doors, or abusing animals;
- Arguments consisting of name calling and ridicule,
- Jealousy and possessiveness,
- Drinking or drug problem,
- Unusual fascination with pornography, or
- Lack of respect for the rights and abilities of women.
Because of the intense emotional and mental stress endured, many people stay in violent
relationships despite the abuse. Reasons for staying may include they truly love the
abusive partner, are afraid, have nowhere else to go and no one to turn to, or are
embarrassed. Many women also feel that making a relationship work is their responsibility,
not their spouses, especially with couples with strong religious beliefs.
“The biggest mistake is believing you can change violent behavior in a partner,”
adds Browning. “Unfortunately, violent behaviors escalate.”
Help is available in our community for victims of domestic violence; The Center For Women
and Families can offer emergency shelter, counseling, and support for victims.
Steve Rogers, educator for The Center For Women and Families will be leading an in-depth
discussion entitled “When Violence Comes Home For The Holidays” on December 5,
2000 from Noon to 1:00 p.m. at Clark Memorial Hospital. To register, please call 284-3754.
For more information on domestic violence, please call The Center For Women and Families
at 944-6743 or Clark Memorial Hospital at 283-2852. To ask Browning additional questions
on this topic, visit our home page and choose
Ask A Nurse from the main menu.
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