Factors That May Lead to Domestic Violence
While there is no reliable evidence out there to support the notion that domestic violence increases during the holidays, evidence reveals that domestic violence does not take a break during the holidays. This offense affects an average of 20 people per minute in the US, but that number could likely be higher due to COVID-19. In fact, studies reveal a correlation between COVID-19 and increased incidents of domestic violence due to factors such as unemployment, loss of income, extended domestic stays, increased alcohol consumption, and exposure to household members’ habits.
As such, there is no better time than now to discuss the possible factors leading to increased domestic violence incidents during the holidays. If you have any questions about the information below, feel free to reach out to us at (925) 259-3337.
- Heightened stress: There are many reasons to stress during the holidays this year, as we are struggling with a global pandemic for the ninth consecutive month. The death tolls continue to increase in the US, people are unemployed while struggling to afford gifts for others, parents are trying to work from home while their children adapt to online school, and more. These are some of the various reasons why stress is high and could subsequently result in domestic violence.
- Increased alcohol consumption: Family gatherings, days off work, and holiday parties drive people to celebrate by consuming alcohol. However, alcohol consumption is known to bring out the worst sides of some people, especially if it’s consumed in excess. Thus, situations may escalate to a dangerous point if a reported abuser is intoxicated because their good judgment will be impaired and emotions high.
- Financial pressure: The US economy was hit hard by COVID-19. Hundreds of thousands of people lost their jobs and many depleted their stimulus checks, putting countless people in a difficult financial situation. While the National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts holiday sales to increase by 3.6% to 5.2%, an analysis of its data reveals that Americans will spend an average of $997.79, down 5% from last year. Even if consumers are predicted to spend slightly less money during the holidays this year, the bottom line is that the financial burdens many families face, especially during COVID-19, can manifest into rage and subsequently, domestic violence.
- Family tension: The holidays are an opportunity to gather with family and spend quality time together. However, tensions may easily arise among family members in the wake of a political debate, insult, unfavorable action or behavior, and more. No matter how much a person loves their family, they are bound to disagree and fight with them, and the holidays are no exception. With this in mind, incidents of domestic violence can occur. For instance, if you have poor relations with your spouse’s family and they come to visit you for the holidays, anything they say or do may stress you out so badly that you blame your partner and lash out at them as a result.
- Opportunities for isolation: Domestic violence consists of isolation and control, among other key elements. This year’s holiday season allows aggressors to isolate and control their victims due to COVID-19 restrictions; stay-home orders foster an environment for reported abusers to isolate victims from their families and friends and control their actions and behaviors, which is a common form of domestic violence. Victims may have limited opportunities to report domestic violence to officials because alleged perpetrators can easily monitor their victims’ every move at home.
Charged with Domestic Violence? We Are Here for You.
No one could prepare for the devastation that COVID-19 brought to the world, and this is the first (and hopefully, the last) holiday season in which Californians are experiencing a wide-ranging shut down due to a raging shutdown. As such, the chaos and trauma of COVID-19 can bring out the worst in people.
Our Dublin domestic violence defense lawyer understands that emotions can run high during the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean you should get criminal charges as a result. We are compassionate to your challenging times and will work to minimize the impacts of your charges while fighting for reduced or dismissed charges on your behalf. The last thing you need is to end 2020 with a criminal conviction, which is why you should waste no time in contacting us at (925) 259-3337 to begin your defense.