Domestic Violence Increases During Holidays, Where to Get Help Near Marblehead

By Wendy Ann Mitchell (Patch Staff)

For many, the holiday season is “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for women in abusive relationships, it is their worst nightmare.

The stress of holiday parties, strained family relationships, financial burdens and over scheduling can add pressure to an already volatile situation. Add to the mix an increased use of alcohol and drugs, and it is a recipe for disaster.

For many, arguments are easy to resolve by walking away or not fighting back. But for abused women, their partner holds a control over them that is difficult to explain. Many may not have the financial means to walk away, or they are staying “for the sake of the children,” but these women need to know that there are resources out available to help get them out of a dangerous situation.

Click here to find a shelter in your area.

Domestic violence does not discriminate between wealthy white-collar and lower income blue-collar families. The face of domestic violence represents the full spectrum of races. If you are in an abusive relationship, know the resources out there to help you get out of your situation. If you are a friend or family member of someone who is a recent survivor of domestic violence, here are some ways you can help.

Tips are provided by the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence.

• Survivors may need additional emotional support from advocates, counselors, and helplines during the holiday season, especially if they are unable to be with their family, friends or faith community, or if they are grieving the loss of a loved one due to domestic violence.
• The holidays can be emotionally and physically draining. Shelters may need to allow time for respite, quiet talks and other forms of relaxation, such as walking, yoga, and meditation. Meditation can be as simple as taking a few minutes out of a busy day to breathe or sit in quiet contemplation.
• The importance of safety planning around the holidays should not be underestimated. Advocates can help keep the season safe for survivors by sharing with them some holiday-specific safety tips, including starting new holiday routines, meeting family and friends in new locations unknown to the abusive partner, avoiding shopping areas and/or holiday parades and events where survivors may unexpectedly see their abusers, and using a P.O. box address, or no return address at all, if sending out holidays cards.
• Shelter staff may be instrumental in helping families begin new routines by organizing holiday themed activities at the shelter, especially for those families or residents that cannot be with their loved ones. In doing so, strive for inclusiveness, keeping in mind that not everyone observes the same holidays (or any holiday at all), and that every culture celebrates the holidays with its own unique traditions. Advocates can research and learn about a broad range of holiday observances so they can be prepared to support victims and survivors from different populations.

The Healing Abuse Working for Change center in Salem, MA provides emergency shelter, counseling and help to women of domestic violence and their children. Click here for more info.

• Healing Abuse Working for Change
• 27 Congress Street, Salem, MA 01970
• (978) 744-8552

Click here to find a shelter in your area.

Photo: Flickr