Christmas can be a time of fun, celebration, and togetherness, it can also be a time of enormous stress, pressure, isolation, and unfortunately, family and domestic violence (FDV).
You may have seen that Psyche Mental Health Centre proudly supported Share the Dignity’s It’s in the Bag campaign by creating essential care packs for women and girls fleeing FDV during the Christmas period. We are passionate about supporting these causes because we are aware that Australian crime statistics and police data show there are significantly more FDV incidents across the Christmas holidays than other times during the year, and sadly the numbers of violent incidents at Christmas time have been increasing. While this represents a concerning trend of ongoing violence, we can also consider that increased reported incidents of FDV may reflect more understanding and awareness in the community, and a greater willingness to report FDV.
Why Christmas can be a dangerous time of year…
More time together
Over the holidays we are typically spending more time at home. For a victim-survivor of FDV, that means more time with the perpetrator, feeling intimidated, scared, controlled and subject to violence. The Christmas period is also a complete change to our usual work/school routines, and the season, and its expectations can bring up painful memories or unresolved emotional issues. These shifts and feelings can lead to arguments or violent incidents as irritations can feel unbearable and inescapable, old wounds can reopen or painful memories resurface.
More isolation
The Christmas holidays is when safe spaces such as work, schools, support services are closed, and often when our support networks are busy with their own Christmas celebrations and stressors. This is also a time where tensions are high over whose family you spend time with, or who will have the children, how and where changeover of care can occur.
More alcohol consumption
Our Aussie Christmases can often be a time where we indulge in all things, and we have more opportunities to consume alcohol at social events and parties. Alcohol lowers our inhibitions and increases the risk of conflict and violent behaviours.
More pressures
Christmas is PRESENTS! FUN! MAGICAL! …Right?!
Christmas is also EXPENSIVE! OVERWHELMING! EXHAUSTING!
Financial pressures can be an enormous stressor for families at Christmas and we are very aware that we are in a cost-of-living crisis. There can also be enormous pressure to deliver a magical Christmas and holiday period for children, and present ourselves as a perfect, happy family/parent/adult. These can be enormous pressures that build and erupt into conflict and violence.
How we can support change…
We can’t make change occur overnight, but we can do things that take steps towards ending Family and Domestic Violence, both on an individual and societal level.
More Awareness
Awareness campaigns can place a spotlight on the hidden nature of family and domestic violence. Encouraging open conversations about violence and abuse can help break the silence and reduce stigma and empower victims to reach out for help and support and seek safety.
More Resources
It’s crucial that victims-survivors of family and domestic violence have access to the support they need, especially during the Christmas holidays. Shelters, hotlines, and counselling services should be readily available, offering resources even during the festive season when services might be reduced.
More Connection
If you suspect someone is experiencing violence, offer a non-judgmental space for them to share. Keep the lines of communication open and let them know that they are not alone. Educating everyone (especially children) on who they can call or where they can go and keeping emergency phone numbers handy can save lives.
Psyche Mental Health Centre hopes for a safe Christmas. While we are closed over the Christmas period we implore you to reach out to the below services if you need information, support or safety and look forward to continuing to raise awareness of Family and Domestic Violence, advocate for change, and provide mental health support to our communities.
Family and Domestic Violence Support Services and Information
Triple Zero: 000
https://1800respect.org.au/: 1300737732
https://engenderequality.org.au/: 0362789090
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