Support groups raise alarm as holidays near
Domestic violence advocates across British Columbia are sounding the alarm about a greater risk of intimate partner and family violence during the holiday season as families prepare to gather and festivities put added pressure on strained relationships, according to local support workers.
While the holidays are often pictured as a joyful time, advocates say the “most wonderful time of the year” can also bring increased stress, financial pressure, social isolation and more time in close quarters with family members, all of which can heighten conflict and risk for people already living with abuse or controlling partners.
Stress and isolation can fuel conflict
Experts note that the factors behind this seasonal risk are familiar but powerful. Financial strain from holiday costs, elevated expectations around family gatherings, and alcohol or substance use at events all contribute to tension that can escalate existing domestic conflict or put vulnerable individuals in dangerous situations.
In some regions, shelters and transition houses report higher demand for support during December and early January, with people seeking safety from escalating situations or planning for early exits from harmful environments.
Safety planning and available resources
Advocates encourage anyone who may be at risk to develop a safety plan early, identify supportive friends or family they can contact confidentially, and prepare for ways to reach help if conflict worsens. This can include knowing escape routes, keeping phones charged, and identifying shelters or hotlines that operate year-round.
Transition houses and women’s support services often remain open through the holidays, offering confidential refuge and 24-hour access to help if someone needs to leave an unsafe situation. Support workers emphasize that reaching out early can be life-saving, and emergency services should be contacted immediately if someone is in danger.
Why awareness matters
Even if not widely discussed, the risk of domestic violence during festive periods is a serious concern that community members and service providers are urging the public to acknowledge. Recognizing early warning signs, reducing isolation, and encouraging open conversations about safety can help make the season safer for those in vulnerable situations.
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