Why Domestic Abuse Rises Over Christmas and How We Can Help

For many, Christmas is a time of celebration, connection and tradition, but behind closed doors, the festive period can be one of the most dangerous times of the year for those living with domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse charities, police forces and support organisations across the UK consistently report a seasonal surge in incidents, especially during the Christmas period and into early January. This blog explains why the holidays increase risk, what signs to look out for, how family lawyers can protect victims, and where to find other help and support for victims in Hampshire.

Domestic Abuse Increases Over Christmas: The Facts

Although exact figures vary by region, the national and local pattern is clear:

Helplines commonly see around a 15% rise in contacts immediately after Christmas, with some local services reporting holiday increases of up to 50%.

Other key indicators:

• More than 1 in 12 adults experience domestic abuse each year in the UK (ONS).
• Charities report December as one of their highest-risk months, followed by a sharp spike in referrals in January.

These statistics highlight an uncomfortable truth: for many people, Christmas is not a period of joy, but one of fear.

Why Domestic Abuse Rises During the Festive Season

1. Increased Time at Home

The holidays create extended periods indoors with partners or family members.

For those in abusive relationships, this means more exposure to controlling or violent behaviour.

2. Alcohol Consumption

Christmas parties and celebrations often involve heavy drinking, which can lower inhibitions and escalate aggression.

3. Financial Pressure

The cost of presents, food and travel adds strain. Money worries are a known trigger for abusive outbursts.

4. Isolation

With schools closed, workplaces shut and services reduced, victims have:

• fewer opportunities to reach out,
• less privacy to call for help, and
• fewer professionals (teachers, GPs, colleagues) who might otherwise notice signs.

5. Delayed Help-Seeking

Many victims try to “keep the peace” during Christmas. As a result, helplines experience large January spikes.

Legal Protection: How a Family Lawyer Can Help

Under the Family Law Act 1996, there are two powerful court orders available to protect victims of domestic abuse:

1. Non-Molestation Order

A non-molestation order can prohibit someone from:

• using or threatening violence,
• harassing, intimidating or contacting the victim,
• coming near their home or workplace.

Breach of a non-molestation order is a criminal offence, meaning the police can arrest the perpetrator immediately.

2. Occupation Order

An occupation order regulates who can live in the family home.

It can:

• exclude the abuser from the property,
• allow the victim to stay in the home safely, and
• determine who occupies specific rooms if exclusion isn’t possible.

How a Family Lawyer Supports Victims

A specialist family lawyer can:

• Assess risk quickly and determine whether to apply for an urgent without-notice order (where the abuser is not informed beforehand).
• Prepare the FL401 application and supporting witness statement.
• Apply for immediate court protection in urgent cases.
• Gather evidence including medical records, police logs and witness statements.
• Represent the victim in court at interim and final hearings.
• Coordinate with police and support agencies to ensure safety.
• Advise on legal aid, which may be available for injunction applications.

If you, or someone you know needs some advice or support on these issues, please contact a member of our experienced family law team at Biscoes on 02392 660261.  

 Hampshire Domestic Abuse Helplines 

Other important support numbers for victims: 

Stop Domestic Abuse (Hampshire-wide Advice Line)

📞 0330 0533 630

Aurora New Dawn (Out-of-Hours & Specialist Services)

📞 023 92 479 254 (office)

📞 03300 165 112 (out-of-hours)

PIPPA (Southampton Domestic & Sexual Abuse Service)

📞 023 8091 7917

Hampton Trust (Support & Intervention Services)

📞 023 8000 1061

Victim Support – Hampshire & Isle of Wight

📞 0808 178 1641 (local team)

📞 0808 168 9111 (24/7 supportline)

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)

📞 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)

Emergency (Police)

📞 999

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