'Abuse doesn’t take a Christmas break': Women’s Aid expects 60 helpline calls a day
Eva Osborne
Women's Aid has said it is expecting to receive 60 calls to its helpline every day over the festive period, with another surge in January.
The domestic abuse charity warned that abuse "does not go away just because it is the festive season".
This time of year can be a particularly challenging time for women and children subjected to domestic violence or abuse, as they are forced to spend more time with their abusers, Women's Aid said.
The national organisation said that, as well as keeping its helpline going 24 hours a day, it will also be operating its instant messaging service over the festive period.
Head of the Women’s Aid's helpline services, Linda Smith, said there are a number of factors that result in women feeling isolated and alone at this time of year.
“It is so important to us to remind everyone that the National Freephone Helpline will remain open 24 hours every day over the Christmas and New Year period," she said.
"We are here for anyone who is being subjected to violence or any type of abuse, or for anyone supporting loved ones. While many families look forward to schools, offices and other businesses closing for holidays, this can leave the women we support in dangerous situations.
It is horrific to think that instead of enjoying a Christmas film, putting gifts under the tree, or sharing love and connection, some women are feeling terrified and humiliated.
"We want them to know that we are here and we can help, even if it is just to talk or work through their options.
"Physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse does not go away just because it is the festive season.”
Women's Aid said it finds that calls increase over the New Year and in January.
The charity said victims do everything they can to get through the holiday period.
Women’s Aid chief executive, Sarah Benson, said: “This can be a very isolating time of year, with many of the services and places that women rely on for support or peace, closed.
"So, we know our services can be extra important at this time of year, and it is important that we get that message out far and wide.
Abusers thrive on creating fear and exerting control.
"The fear of what might happen is always there, and victims-survivors know that one change in mood can cause untold damage.
"Abuse does not always stop when someone leaves, and Christmas can also be extremely hard for women who are separated from their abusers, as they must hand over their children for access, while many abusers use Christmas gifts to coercively control their children and ex-partners.
"They may not pay maintenance or pay it late to limit what women can buy for Christmas and then shower the children with gifts themselves. While victims-survivors of domestic violence and abuse face horror and fear all year round, Christmas is a particularly difficult and stressful time.”
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Women’s Aid (24-hour freephone helpline at 1800-341 900, email helpline@womensaid.ie) or Men’s Aid Ireland (confidential helpline at 01-554 3811, email hello@mensaid.ie) for support and information.
