Calls to domestic violence hotline decrease as victims try to “keep the peace”

According to a CBS news story featuring an interview with the National Domestic Violence Hotline, everyone knows the holidays are a stressful time for families – especially families dealing with domestic violence, yet calls to hotlines actually drop dramatically on major holidays like Thanksgiving. “A lot of women will grin and bear it, try to keep the peace so their children don’t have to spend holidays in a shelter,” says Katie Ray-Jones, the president of the Hotline.

According to Madeline’s House staff, victims may “put on a good face” while family or friends are visiting on Thanksgiving or Christmas. However, that stoicism can’t often last long. There is an increase in the demand for service right after the holidays.

“We see an increase in requests for service right after the holidays,” says Kandy Freeman, Domestic Violence Program Director for Madeline’s House.

Jennifer Marsh, the vice president of victims services at the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) confirms this in her interview with Crimesider, saying that calls to their sexual abuse hotline go down on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, but go up in the weeks after. Mary Winn, Sexual Assault Program Director at Madeline’s House echoes this.

“During the holidays, people are home together more, and in families where there is violence present this means more opportunity for violence.”

A safety tip for those who decide to stay in – or in some cases return to – abusive homes around Thanksgiving and Christmas, Madeline’s House staff suggests identifying easy exits from the house and establishing code words with children who can run to neighbors for help if violence becomes a problem. Also consider what rooms in the house are the safest. Even though a lot of us spend time in the kitchen during the holidays, it is a very dangerous place to have an argument, with dangerous items such as knives, boiling water, and pots and pans within easy reach.

For more information about safety tips for those concerned about possible violent episodes during the holidays, contact Madeline’s House at 434-292-1077 or toll-free 888-819-2926.