Several studies have shown an increase in the number of domestic violence cases during holiday seasons. According to the National Statistics of Domestic Violence, about 20 people per minute in the USA are physically abused by their intimate partners. This number often increases during the holiday season. The holiday season is supposed to be a joyous time of year. With the high expectations many people have this time of year, physical and financial stress often take over.
Before the holidays, it’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself and those closest to you. With the added stress this year of the Covid-19 pandemic, experts are warning the public against the potential increase of domestic violence incidents this holiday season.
Financial Pressure
Having a tight budget can make you feel overwhelmed during the holiday season. There is increased financial pressure heading into this holiday season, due to high unemployment. It’s important to be realistic about gift giving. To avoid added holiday stress give gifts within your budget, make home-made gifts, rely on experiences rather than ‘things’, and prioritize your external gift giving to not overspend.
Alcohol Dependency
When someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is easier for them to lose their temper. Losing your temper can lead to doing something that they can later regret. Drink responsibly to stay at peace with family and friends this holiday season. Drinking can be a coping strategy to “get through” the holidays. If you are hosting socially-distant holiday party, consider non-alcoholic beverages and/or stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is expected to end. This may save some of your guests from driving drunk and can help keep tempers minimized as people sober up towards the end of the evening.
If you find yourself overwhelmed with the holidays and are too dependent on alcohol, consider attending Alcoholic Anonymous or Al-Anon meetings to help you make it through the holiday season. Alcohol dependency increases Domestic Violence incidents.
Simple Opportunity
The fact is couples tend to be together more during the holidays. People take off of work or travel to visit family. Being around each other more often during a stressful time of year means you will share more of the good days and the bad ones as well. It’s important to recognize the warning signs of domestic violence, both physical and emotional. Sometimes it’s easier for a person to recognize a domestic violence situation from the outside looking in. Some physical signs can be bruises or cuts or unusual clothing for the scenario – such as a turtleneck & sunglasses inside. Some emotional signs may be if a person is being unusually quiet or suddenly develop a drug of alcohol problem.
Effective communication is one of the ways to reduce the chances of arguments amongst couples. It is easier for couples to harmonize on something when they respectfully communicate with one another. Lack of effective communication can fuel unnecessary fights that could even affect your relationship/marriage beyond the holiday season.
Domestic Violence is a sensitive, private and deeply personal traumatic experience that does not discriminate against gender or ethnicity. Whether it’s during the holidays, coronavirus lockdown, or just a Wednesday night, violence is never ok.
Arrested for Domestic Violence
When arrested for domestic violence, a protective order is likely to be issued. Given the nature of the arrest, an order to attend outpatient or inpatient treatment may also be required. It’s important to speak with a criminal attorney from the moment of your arrest. During your arraignment for your domestic violence arrest, you will have to appear in front of a judge. Your attorney will help you get a bond or bail request.
After 14 days you will be able to challenge the protective order issued at your arraignment. The penalties for a domestic violence arrest depend on the specific charges. An arrest may expose you to potential jail time, probation and fines. The Department of Children and Families may open an investigation if there were kids involved. Domestic Violence arrests can be very disruptive to your life. It’s important to seek counsel from a criminal attorney and assistance from Central Florida Bonding.
We offer discreet 24-7 bail bonding service for the Orlando area, and bond for most criminal charges, felonies and misdemeanors including grand theft, domestic violence, aggravated assault, battery, driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), child neglect, driving with a suspended license, drugs, drug paraphernalia and several others. If you find yourself in need of bail bond services, call our Orlando bail bond office for fast bail service at 407-841-3646.
We are located across from the Orange County, Florida jail in the Cox Plaza at 2911 39th Street, Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32839. We are open during holidays.
