More Stories Domestic abuse increases as holidays approach by Kristen Karig, Public Relations Christmas Day was supposed to be a joyous occasion for a Lowcountry woman and her four children. But things suddenly turned violent when her husband arrived at their home and beat her severely while the children watched. The couple was legally separated, and according to the woman, there was no past history of abusive behavior in the relationship. Or maybe he had been drinking. The holiday season is a time when instances of domestic abuse are usually on the rise, Dansky said.
Holidays are a stressful time for everyone, and tensions run high.
Because a batterer may resort to abuse of his partner to cope with stress or conflict, an increase in tension can mean an increase in abuse. People also tend to consume more alcohol during the holidays as they celebrate Christmas or toast to the new year. And with drinking comes an increased risk for domestic abuse. Alcohol increases a person s sense of personal power, and increases the chance that he or she will misinterpret or misperceive information. Alcohol or drug use by the batterer usually means more serious injury will be inflicted during the assault.