Unfortunately, domestic violence around the holidays is all too common. Men, women, and children often experience domestic abuse or some type of violence around major holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Why? There are a number of reasons that can lead up to domestic violence around this time of the year.
*Stress with finances and/or lack of income to buy gifts for their loved ones.
*Often times, abusers are more likely to indulge in alcoholic beverages or recreational drugs while on a vacation from work.
*Opportunities increase as abusers are far more likely to spend more time with their victims than throughout the rest of the year.
Spending extra time with family should be exciting for children, but in some homes it is the opposite. Children are often out of school for multiple weeks and if they live with an abuser this means more time for abuse to happen and injuries to go unseen.
It is important to recognize the warning signs of domestic abuse, as you could be the one to help a family member in a crisis.
Physical:
Unexplainable injuries, for example, the victim “has no idea how they got the bruise, weird!”
Unnecessary clothing for the weather such as, layers of clothing while inside to hide their injuries.
Emotional:
Victims may become emotionally detached from the activities around them. They may seem withdrawn or unusually quiet. Activities they enjoyed being a part of in the past may now be hard to focus on.
Victims may seem fearful when away from their abuser. They may feel they will “get in trouble” for enjoying something without them.
WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU SUSPECT ABUSE OF A LOVED ONE?
It is important to remember abuse is not the victim’s fault, but they will can and will make excuses for their abuser. More often than not, the victim has been taught how to take the blame for the abuse and they truly feel responsible for it happening. If you feel a loved one is in an unhealthy relationship, reach out and offer your unconditional love and support. You can offer resources including the number for the local police station, local domestic violence shelters, and The National Domestic Violence Hotline.
WHAT CAN YOU DO IF IT IS YOU?
Please reach out and get help. You don’t have to live with the abuse. We have a ‘Safe Place’, a domestic violence shelter, where you can go to escape a dangerous situation. Call 1-888-554-2501, anytime, day or night. An advocate is standing by to help. We can assist you with an Order of Protection and a whole list of services and information. We also have a support group available for you, as well as your friend. Browse through our website – we have an abundance of useful information to start you, and your friend, on your path to freedom. To reach our resource office in Perryville, call 501-889-2030. For help in Morrilton call 501-354-1884.
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