During 2023/24 Police Scotland recorded 63,867 domestic abuse incidents, 81% involved male perpetrator and female victim. Over the Festive period Dec 23 to Jan 2024, Police Scotland and the Crown Office received 5,113 crime reports relating to domestic abuse.
Be Safer at Christmas. The Festive period can lead to an increase in domestic abuse or violence in the home against women. Factors such as increased time at home, alcohol or drug consumption, and financial pressure are consider as contributing to this.
Our Women’s Legal Project are launching a winter awareness ‘Be Safer at Christmas’ campaign through our social media forums linking to our website to inform women on how that may be able to manage those situations and how to get help.
Christmas and the New Year can be extremely frightening and anxious time for women who are living in difficult and volatile situations and who are affected by Domestic Abuse or Violence. Children in the household can make these situations ever more difficult to deal with and may women feel there is no way out.
Some of the factors leading to increased incidences of Domestic Abuse at Christmas.
Alcohol and Substance Use: This issue tends to increase in the Festive Season as alcohol and/or drug consumption increases and this can cause arguments to escalate and behaviours that lead to controlling and abuse can occur.
Money, Debt and Financial Pressures: The cost of Christmas is a stress for many; decorating the home, buying presents, food costs and energy usage increasing all add more pressure. Many people get into debt trying to create the ‘perfect’ Christmas experience for everyone. This can cause a lot of stress and strain with husbands or partners especially if these relationships are already fraught.
Spending More Time at Home: Many Women will be off work over Christmas as schools are closed and they will often be with other household members for much longer and prolonged periods. In instances of controlling behaviour, abuse or violence Women can feel trapped, scared and with a feeling of no escape.
Lack of Access to Supports: As other friends and families enjoy their own Christmas; those normal sources of help and support may not be as readily available. Additionally, many help services might close for a few weeks or operate very reduced hours and doors are effectively closed. Women can feel very alone and have nowhere to turn to for help.
How can Women effected by Domestic Abuse or Violence ‘Be Safer’ during Christmas and New Year Holidays?
If it’s safe to do so, women should reach out for help and support if suffering from Domestic Abuse or Violence or are worried that this may escalate during Christmas.
Here are some things to consider:
- Contact a family member or trusted friend. Talk to them about the help you need, and think about establishing a phrase or code word you can use to let them know you are in danger and need immediate help.
- Be aware of safe use when using a mobile or laptop to search help for Domestic Abuse. Clear call logs and browsing histories.
- Keep a note of local helping services, especially those who are open or accessible 24/7 and those who provide emergency help. Know your local authority homeless service details if you need to leave urgently and require shelter.
- Think about what you would need to pack for yourself and any children in an emergency. Remember essentials; some cash, important documents, medications, suitable clothing for a few days, your phone and charger. Make an exit plan; essentials – location – transport – cost
Getting help and Support
In an emergency, always call 999. Or Police 101 for advice and help.
Attend in person at your local police station
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 027 1234. You can get support 24/7.
In Glasgow – You can contact Health and Social Care Connect on 0141 287 0555. If you require assistance outside of office hours, you can contact the out of hours service on 0800 838 502.
Govan Law Centre’s Women’s Rights Project is a free legal advice service for women and children facing homelessness or housing instability or living in unsuitable or unsafe living conditions and who may be experiencing or at risk of domestic abuse or Violence Against Women and Girls. Telephone 0800 043 0306 or e-mail womensproject@govanlc.com
