The festive period, while a time for celebration, has been cast in a stark light due to a reported rise in domestic violence incidents. 12 News highlights the experience at A New Leaf, a Mesa-based shelter, where calls for help swell during the holiday stretch from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day. Tanner Swanson, A New Leaf Communications Manager, shared with 12 News, "We do see an increase in calls during the holiday season from people who are looking to find shelter from domestic violence."
The array of abuses during this period isn't limited to the physical. Emotional, verbal, and financial abuses are prevalent too, with Swanson noting, "It’s emotional abuse, it’s verbal abuse, it’s financial abuse. There are so many different forms of abuse that can happen to a survivor," as stated by 12 News. Recognizing the signs, such as bruises, cuts or unusual changes in behavior can be key in identifying and helping those in need though, many still suffer in silence without reporting these episodes to authorities.
According to a WUSF report, due to the increased stressors of the season, there's an unfortunate shadow cast over the holidays as domestic violence tends to uptick. Lariana Forsythe, CEO of CASA Pinellas, said in the report that the holiday period, while joyful for many can also bring about stress that triggers more incidents of domestic violence.
Children are also highlighted as being at higher risk during this time, "So they have to manage their own stress, find their own stress relief, seek mental health support and understand that things trickle down to kids that we may often not see," Mike Trepper, president and CEO of Pasco Kids First, told WUSF. The organization aims to provide a safe space and support for children amidst abuse investigations, and a surge in reports is expected post-holidays when children return to school and are more likely to disclose such abuse.
