The holiday season is quickly approaching.
While typically associated with joy, family gatherings and celebrations, holidays can be an incredibly difficult time for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
During this period, stress levels tend to rise, and, for many individuals in abusive relationships, holidays can be a start to a dangerous situation.
It is critical to be aware of the challenges survivors face during this time and take proactive steps to provide support.
Increased risk of domestic violence during the holidays
For survivors of domestic violence, the holidays can bring added financial strain, increased contact with abusers and heightened isolation.
While family gatherings are supposed to bring loved ones together, for those trapped in abusive relationships, these gatherings can lead to more control and manipulation. Abusers may restrict access to friends and family, leaving survivors feeling even more alone through the holidays.
Additionally, the stress of the holiday season can often fuel violent behavior.
According to research, domestic violence can spike during times of heightened emotional and financial pressure, which makes the holidays a particularly dangerous time for those living with an abusive partner. Increased alcohol consumption during holiday celebrations can also lead to escalated violence, endangering victims or putting them in a difficult situation.
The impact on survivors of sexual assault
The emotional toll on survivors of sexual assault during the holidays is equally significant. Survivors often deal with complex feelings of guilt, shame and isolation.
Family interactions or social gatherings may bring up memories of past trauma, particularly if an assault occurred within the family. The pressure to appear happy and engage in festivities can be overwhelming, especially when internally struggling with trauma.
For some survivors, the holiday season can also be a time of heightened anxiety due to encounters with perpetrators who may be family members or close acquaintances.
Ways to support survivors during the holidays
Given the increased risk and emotional challenges during the holidays, it is important for communities, friends and families to extend their support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Here are some ways to help:
1. Check in regularly: Survivors often feel isolated during this time, afraid to speak up to family and friends, so regular check-ins via phone, video calls or texts can be a lifeline. Offer a listening ear without judgment and let them know you’re there for them.
2. Offer practical support: Financial strain is common during the holidays, especially for those trying to escape abusive situations. Help by providing transportation to counseling or support groups, sharing ways to save money, or just being a support in making a simple gift without the added stress of going to get one from the store or figuring out where the funds are coming from.
3. Encourage self-care and boundaries: Remind survivors that it’s OK to set boundaries during the holidays. Encourage them to avoid situations that may be triggering and to prioritize their own emotional well-being, even if that means stepping back from certain gatherings that might be overwhelming for them. It’s OK to say no.
4. Be aware of warning signs: Be vigilant about the warning signs of domestic violence. If someone withdraws from social activities, becomes anxious or fearful, or exhibits changes in behavior, these could be indicators of abuse. You can offer support and connect them with local resources, explaining help is a sign of strength and a step toward self-care, and explaining you can always remain anonymous and just get a good safety plan going for the future.
5. Provide resources for help: Many survivors may not know where to turn for help, especially during the holiday season when services may seem less accessible because of poor road conditions. Ensure they have access to hotlines like Rise Above Violence, (970) 264-9075, or local resources such as shelters and counseling services.
The holidays can be a time of tremendous pressure and danger for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. It is essential that we, as individuals and communities, provide compassionate and practical support to those affected this holiday season by offering resources, staying in contact, advocating for survivor safety, and encouraging bystanders to act if they witness abuse or know someone who is struggling. We can help ensure that no one has to endure abuse in silence — during the holidays or any other time of the year.
Supporting survivors through this time is a critical part of building safer, healthier communities. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, we at Rise Above Violence encourage you to continue learning about the impacts of domestic violence and sexual assault and how to provide safe support to survivors by following us on social media, checking out the resources on our website and participating in our awareness events throughout the year.
If you are a survivor in need of support, please know you can reach out to us at any time through our 24-hour hotline: (970) 264-9075. All calls are free and confidential.
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