SALEM, Va. – For many, the holidays are a time of the year they look forward to the most, but for others, it’s a time of the year that they have to live in fear.
From November to January every year, trends of domestic violence increase.
“Some people feel like this is a merry and wonderful time and others have to worry about what is the next big blow up, or fight, that is going to happen,” said Brandi Howard, director of Clinical and outpatient services at LewisGale Salem.
But to learn about why this happens, I met with Howard. She said its a combination of stressors.
“This is typically due to the heightened family and financial stressors around the holiday,” said Howard. “Increased substance use, along with more time at home which creates more opportunity for violence to occur.”
She also said the holidays can intensify the already existing abuse.
“I think we all feel increased stress during the holidays for the exact same reasons, but sometimes that stress will cause people to react badly, especially with the substance use and the celebrations and things like that,” Howard said.
She said there are some red flags to look out for, though.
“Anything that is creating fear for you in a relationship, that is a sign,” said Howard. “Or, of course, anything including physical violence, hitting grabbing, pushing.”
She also said for those experiencing domestic violence, you are not alone, and there are resources to help you.
“We have hotlines, we have shelters that are ready to assist for all people,” Howard said
For many, it can be hard to take the first step—but Howard tells me once they do, and see them gain back their freedom, there is no better feeling.
For access to 24/7 live advocates, you can call the National Domestic Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788.
For a list of resources in our region, you can find them here.