For most people the biggest decision they'll be facing right now is whether to buy their turkey at the supermarket or the butcher... or whether to seat Gran next to Aunty Mary or Uncle Joe at Christmas lunch.

But for some women, the biggest decision they'll be facing right now is whether to stay in their abusive relationship so the kids have a 'normal' Christmas .... or whether to flee the relationship before Christmas day rolls around. Even if they have nowhere else to go.

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You only have to ask a mental health worker, community service provider or police officer to confirm that rates of domestic violence rise over what is ironically labelled as the 'festive' period.

Financial pressures, deadlines, expectations, school holidays, family commitments (eg. obligatory christmas catchups with toxic relatives), alcohol, the heat of summer - there are so many reasons why more and more women and children are exposed to trauma over this otherwise enjoyable period of much need downtime.

Whilst domestic abuse of course includes physical abuse it also extends to include verbal abuse, psychological abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, spiritual or religious abuse and image-based abuse, all of which can attract police engagement, to varying degrees.

If you, or someone you love needs support during this time it's important to note that whilst many services may be closed over Christmas, others do remain available to help those in need.

For support, please call;

1800 Respect - 1800 737 732

NSW Domestic Violence Line - 1800 65 64 63

Your local police station - ask for the Domestic Violence Liaison Officer

Lifeline - 13 11 14

Your call to any of these numbers will be handled confidentially.

Erica Rundle

Erica is a Women's Health Counsellor in private practice in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. You can read more about her work at www.shecounselling.com.au. She can be contacted at info@shecounselling.com.au, on 0412 707 242 or via socials @shecounselling.

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