Domestic Violence and the Holidays
The holidays can be one of the most stressful times of the year. People spend significant amounts of money on gifts for their relatives and prepare for elaborate holiday events. Unfortunately, the holidays are not ideal for all families, as many suffer from domestic violence almost every day, even on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Are Families Really Happy During the Holidays?
There can be times where families seem happy during the holidays, but they really are not. In several cases that involve domestic violence in the family, mothers especially will hide all feelings and bear the violence, as to show no one what their situation is really like. Mothers will also put on a smile during the holidays so their children do not have to spend Christmas and New Year’s Day in a shelter.
How Many Calls Are Made on the National Domestic Violence Hotline?
The last two months of the year make up what many call the Holiday Season, with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day all occurring back-to-back. Between the years 2007 and 2016, the number of calls to the National Domestic Violence Hotline increased drastically.
On New Year’s Day, in 2007, 428 calls were made to the National Domestic Violence Hotline to report domestic violence cases. Five years later, in 2012, there were 499 calls made to the NDVH in regards to domestic violence cases. In 2016, that number of calls increased to 650 calls to the NDVH.
In 2007, 290 calls were made to the NDVH to report domestic violence on Thanksgiving Day. Five years later, on the same day, 340 calls were made to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. In 2016, there were 486 calls that were made to report domestic violence.
On Christmas Day in 2007, there were 270 calls made to the NDVH to report domestic violence. On Christmas Day in 2012, that same number increased to 355 calls made to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Four years later, in 2016, 560 calls were made to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Contact a Wheaton, IL Domestic Violence Lawyer
Getting through the holidays while dealing with domestic violence is traumatic, especially when children are involved. If you are concerned for your life and the lives of your children, contact the 24-hour Illinois domestic violence hotline at 877-863-6338. All calls are confidential and toll-free.
To discuss your situation with a legal professional, please contact the compassionate DuPage County domestic violence attorneys at Abear Law Offices to assist you with your case. Schedule your free initial consultation at 630-904-3033 to get the help you deserve.
Sources:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/domestic-violence-and-the-holidays-expert-says-calls-to-hotline-decrease-when-victims-try-to-keep-the-peace/
https://www.nrcdv.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2007-2016.pdf
http://batteredwomensnetwork.org/stateofillinoishotlinhttpbatteredwomensnetwork-orgwp-adminpost-phppost33actionedite/