Christmas might be a merry time for many and a period that lots of us look forward to, but that's not the case for everyone.
For the women affected by domestic violence, they spend the festive season walking on eggshells.
It is a time of hurt, fear, intimidation, intentional cruelty for women with sudden flashes of violence directed at them and their children as ex-partners use this time of year as a way to control and abuse women and children.
Thankfully, Women’s Aid National Helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including Christmas Day and New Year.
They are expecting a surge in calls after Christmas with many women ''keeping the peace.''
The staff and volunteers on the national frontline support service are preparing for women calling in the run-up to Christmas who are worried about their partner’s behaviour or financial stress.
It is not only women still in abusive relationships but also those who have left them as Christmas can be used by their exes to control and abuse them and their children by withholding maintenance, not honouring access arrangements and using presents as a bargaining chip.
Linda Smith, Manager of the Women’s Aid Helpline says, ''December and Christmas is a tough time for women and often the abuse they are suffering is more frequent and more severe with women disclosing that they have been assaulted, hospitalised, being ignored and being called the most horrible names.''
She continues, ''Just because it is the festive season, it doesn't mean that physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse goes away. Women tell us that their ex-partners are threatening to withhold finances and presents unless she does what he wants.”
Women’s Aid is in the middle of its urgent Christmas Fundraising Appeal and people can donate by texting ACTION to 50300 to donate €4 or online www.womensaid.ie/donate
Women’s Aid 24 hour National Freephone Helpline is at 1800 341 900 or visit www.womensaid.ie for more information.
Stay safe this Christmas.
