For many of us, Christmas is a time spent with family and friends - a real chance to come together and celebrate. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for everyone. For those experiencing domestic abuse, Christmas can be a time filled with dread, uncertainty and danger.
The link between homelessness and domestic violence isn’t spoken about enough, but we’ll never tire of raising awareness around this issue and how it can leave victims vulnerable and at risk of homelessness.
Let’s take a look.
More time spent together
In a survey carried out in 2021, Stowe Family Law found that 16% of people are in fear of suffering physical or emotional abuse over the Christmas period. For individuals living with their abuser, annual leave and a reduced access to already stretched support services, Christmas can be very lonely, and very scary.
Managing the children, trying to make sure that everything’s just perfect, and the financial pressures that Christmas brings with it - these are all factors that can increase the risks for those in abusive relationships. And with more time spent together under the same roof, that pressure is only intensified.
Cost of living crisis
Some studies have shown that domestic violence is up to three times more likely to occur when a couple is experiencing financial difficulties. So it will come as no surprise that the cost of living crisis is a risk factor here.
As more and more families find their financial limits tested to the max, the risk to victims of domestic violence increases too. Not only is there the potential for abusers to use financial hardship as a tool for coercive and financial control, it can also leave victims feeling trapped, without the financial means to move away from their abuser and seek support.
Higher alcohol consumption
Almost two thirds (61%) of those who drink alcohol in the UK state that they overindulge during the festive season, drinking more than they usually would.
Whilst there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a festive drink and celebrating with friends, there’s no doubt that alcohol affects decision-making and self-control, as well as our levels of anxiety and anger. For those already existing in an abusive relationship characterised by drug or alcohol abuse, Christmas is a time when the risks to safety and welfare massively increase.
Nowhere to turn
According to the statistics, 11% of homeless people in England and Wales in 2016/17 had left their homes as a result of a violent relationship breaking down. With the lasting impacts of the COVID-10 pandemic, and the cost of living crisis, the numbers will likely be higher this year.
It takes so much courage to leave an abusive relationship. Choosing to end a relationship because of domestic violence can be incredibly dangerous for many reasons. In fact, the risk of further violence and even death is known to increase once the victim leaves the relationship.
Escaping may look like living on a friend's sofa, in a car, or being forced to move to an unfamiliar environment without the support of family and friends. Ultimately, homelessness is a very real risk, and these barriers are only exacerbated if there are children to consider.
There is no excuse for domestic violence
Christmas is often a very convenient excuse for perpetrators of domestic violence, and provides the perfect opportunity to avoid taking responsibility for their behaviour.
The children were playing up. The food isn’t up to standard. Not enough effort was made to entertain friends and family. It’s because of the alcohol. When it comes to excuses, we could go on.
Domestic violence is NOT excusable, and raising awareness about its impact and consequences is absolutely vital.
Whilst homelessness is difficult in all circumstances, for victims of domestic violence there are unique and additional challenges. And with so many barriers and fear around accessing support, it’s likely we don’t know the true extent of the problem.
Here at Simon on the Streets, it's our aim to always provide a voice to those facing homeless, whatever their circumstances might be. To find out more about how you can help, read more here.