People who work in hospital emergency room already knows this, but the holiday season is the peak time for domestic violence incidents.
Studies have shown that intimate partner violence tends to escalate around holidays of any kind, but it’s highest on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Why is the season of “peace and good cheer” so prone to incidents of domestic violence?
Financial stressors
Gift-giving, holiday meals, travel expenses – sometimes coupled with seasonal layoffs in certain industries – can be burdensome even in households that enjoy relative financial security. The pressure to meet everybody’s expectations can lead to a lot of frustration and anger when the money just isn’t there.
Substance abuse
There are a lot of people who do more drinking than usual during the holiday season, and alcohol can reduce inhibitions and amplify aggression. The impaired judgment and impulsivity that goes along with too much alcohol can be a toxic mix and easily lead to violence.
Unrealistic expectations
Happy couples and idealized views of the holiday seasons are blasted on every television screen and broadcast on every commercial – and that creates high expectations that often cannot be met. When someone gets overwhelmed by disappointment and stress from the imperfections that occur in real life, they sometimes lash out inappropriately at others.
Family tensions
Nobody knows how to “push each other’s buttons” like family – and the holidays tend to put people in contact with more family members than usual. When personalities conflict or old grudges surface, fights can and do break out.
If you get involved in an incident this year that leads to charges of domestic violence, it’s critically important to have experienced legal guidance as you explore all the possible avenues of defense.