Refuge comment on domestic violence at Christmas

"Domestic violence is a serious crime that takes place all year round and kills two women every week.  Domestic violence has been happening for centuries, to all races, all classes and at all times of the year. Thousands of women and children are living in daily fear and terror and Christmas is no exception. 

We must remember that domestic violence is an abuse of power in order to control another.  Society cannot blame Christmas, alcohol, drugs, unemployment, stress or ill health. These are excuses or justifications for an abuser’s behaviour and allow men to get away with it.

It is important to remember that on average, a woman will be attacked 35 times before she will call the police for the first time.  Many women may find that time off work or holiday periods provide an opportunity to contact Refuge, advice helplines or the police for help.  It is also worth noting that many domestic violence campaigns take place around Christmas.  The combination of these factors could account for some increases in reporting over seasonal periods.

It is perhaps at Christmas that women experiencing domestic violence feel, most acutely, a sense of isolation and despair.  Christmas is meant to be a time of joy, a time of generosity, a time of love.  Yet many of the women and children in our refuges have given up everything as they face their first Christmas away from home."