OMAHA, Nebraska (WOWT) – The Women’s Center for Advancement warns that domestic violence incidents tend to rise during the holidays.
While the holidays do not always cause abuse, a variety of events might disrupt an abusive person’s patterns, making it more difficult for a survivor to plan for their safety.
This can include inclement weather, financial worries, trip plans, spending time with relatives, or increased alcohol consumption.
Survivors often spend more time with their abuser during the holidays.
“Many of our clients have custody orders that require the children to spend time with the abuser that they would not ordinarily spend with the abuser, forcing interaction between our client and the abuser.
Alternatively, if there is no custody order, our client may be in restricted confines at a family member’s residence or riding in a car with their abuser,” stated Katie Welsh, VP of Programs for the Women’s Center for Advancement.
The Women’s Center for Advancement works with many of its clients to develop a holiday safety plan. This can include where to go or phone numbers to call if necessary.
If you are a friend or family member and witness any problematic behavior with someone you care about, this is Welsh’s best advice.
“One helpful thing to do is just to listen to that individual who you may be worried about and perhaps if it’s appropriate to talk and to find kind of a neutral safe place to allow them to disclose whatever it is, or just to let them know that you saw something that concerns you and that you’re there for support,” Welsh told the crowd.
Welsh told First Alert 6 that it is not always a good idea to call for help before speaking with the survivor. Survivors often understand what is safe, and acting without their awareness may put them at risk.
“Domestic violence is a crime involving power and control. So it’s seldom the case that a survivor comes to us and says something just happened or that a single incident has suddenly revealed to them that they’re with an abusive person,” Welsh explained.