Advocates: Domestic violence calls increase over holidays

SALT LAKE CITY — Advocates for victims of domestic violence say reports tend to go up in November and December, as the holidays add to the stress and strain of normal life. 

The YCC Family Crisis Center says it routinely finds about a 10 to 15% increase in the number of people calling to get help with a domestic violence situation over the holidays. One of Utah’s most famous unsolved disappearances, that of Susan Powell, took place between Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2009. 

Related: Lethality assessment: What is it and how can it help domestic violence victims?

According to the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition, alcohol consumption over the holidays also plays a role in the increase. So do financial issues, which sometimes become compounded by holiday spending. In addition, communications specialist Kimmi Wolf points out that victims tend to stay home during the holidays in an effort to keep their families intact. 

“They prioritize the celebration for their family, especially children,” Wolf said. “So prioritizing their own safety, contacting the police, leaving to go to a safe space, those are not generally a preferred course of action [for domestic violence victims] over the holidays.” 

Related: Domestic violence shelter seeks TV donations

Wolf says people worried about potential violence in their homes or their loved ones becoming domestic violence victims should put together a plan of action to stay safe. You can find help with how to create a plan on their website here, or you can contact their 24/7 hotline at 1-800-897-5465 to connect with an advocate to help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline also operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-800-799-7233. 

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, help is available.

Utah Domestic Violence LINKLine
1-800-897-LINK (5465)
If LINKLine advocates experience an increased call volume, they will forward calls to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Read more: 

• Susan Powell continues to help domestic violence victims, ten years later
• Reflecting on a year of the domestic violence lethality assessment law
• Transitional housing for domestic violence victims opening soon in Ogden