At this time of year we can be overwhelmed by images and footage of laughing, loving and happy families. The reality, however, is that this time can be very stressful and unhappy. For many, it is downright dangerous. The added financial stresses, coupled with an environment in which families are spending more time together in confined spaces, can lead to an increase in incidents of violence.

Anyone who works in family and domestic violence support will tell you they see a huge increase in need around this time of year. Crisis support hotlines can experience a surge of 25 to 30 per cent on Christmas Day and Boxing Day alone, while crisis relief and emergency housing programs can see spikes of up to 40 per cent.

The ANROWS National Community Attitudes Towards Violence Against Women report shows 91 per cent of respondents believe that violence against women is an issue in Australia. However, a majority of Australians still don’t believe that violence against women occurs in all communities, including their own.

Violence against women is experienced across all communities, ages and cultures. 

In additional to physical and sexual violence, women from migrant and refugee backgrounds are particularly vulnerable to financial abuse, reproductive coercion and immigration related violence such as withholding documents, threats of visa cancellations or deportation.

If someone is in an abusive relationship, this time of year does provide opportunities where friends and family can more easily notice and identify red flags and offer support. 

For help and advice where I live in Western Australia, you can call the Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline on 1800 007 339. You can also access local information on all family and domestic violence services at the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing.

Anywhere in Australia help can be found by calling 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732. They also have some excellent resources on their website.

Similar support services can be found outside Australia, so if you need help, please remember you are not alone.