The holidays can be a more dangerous time than usual for those at risk of domestic abuse.  Help of Door County Executive Director Moriah Benzow says that violence tends to swing upward before or after holidays, more so than during the actual holiday itself.  She says financial stress over the holidays can make it more difficult for a victim to leave a domestic abuse situation.

Benzow states that holiday stress is not the reason for domestic violence but can be a contributing factor.  Data from the National Domestic Violence hotline in recent years indicates reported calls dropped by about 50 percent on Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as 30 percent on New Year's Day. According to the Domestic Violence Hotline, one in four women and one in 14 men have experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner since 15 years of age.  You can reach out to Help of Door County on its hotline anytime at 920-746-2588.