Is chrismas a time when domestic violence rises?

[templek]

With everything shut down, and everyone is supposed to be at home with the family. Does this add to the stress which causes a rise in domestic violence, killings and other crimes?

I dont want to be a killjoy or seek to convert people to the JWs

[audifan]

From what I read in the past, yes. Ditto suicides, calls to the Samaritans and other helplines, etc. People are also said to feel pressured by the relentlessly "happy" images of the perfect traditional Christmas with family & friends which they're fed by commercial interests i.e. advertisers, retailers and TV.

[seamonkey]

I had some experience as a social worker and therapist many years ago. You are almost correct. According to long standing records, December is the lowest month of the year for child and spouse abuse reports, but January is the highest. All the Christmas and holiday "spirit" keeps abusers on their better behavior, but they can't sustain it, so it gets released afterwards.

[audifan]

I had some experience as a social worker and therapist many years ago. You are almost correct. According to long standing records, December is the lowest month of the year for child and spouse abuse reports, but January is the highest. All the Christmas and holiday "spirit" keeps abusers on their better behavior, but they can't sustain it, so it gets released afterwards.

Fuck, that's almost more depressing, but thanks for the insight.

[phobun]

Ditto suicides, calls to the Samaritans and other helplines, etc. People are also said to feel pressured by the relentlessly "happy" images of the perfect traditional Christmas with family & friends

http://www.twloha.com/

[BigDF]

http://www.twloha.com/

I took a quick look Phobun and this seems like a very good site. As far as Christmas sparking a rise in domestic violence, I'd say it depends on the family dynamic. I've known of cases where the only time the family is violent is when they are all together for the holidays. People who get most of their ideas about culture from television are very likely to become violent when their own lives do not measure up to the normal as portrayed on television.

I think if domestic violence is already a problem, then the forced cheerfulness will be stressful. It may let up long enough to get the day over with, but once that happens, look out.

[audifan]

http://www.twloha.com/

Thanks, wasn't aware of them. Seems like a very worthwhile cause.