The holiday season is nearly in full swing, and many of us are looking forward to the opportunity to kick back a bit and relax with our families at home. But for individuals experiencing domestic violence, that downtime means something entirely different.
Nanci Kreidman, the CEO of the Domestic Violence Action Center, says that she’s seen many victims accommodate abusive behavior around this time of year. That’s especially true for those with children who fear breaking up the family during the holidays.
Normally, their helpline sees a drop in calls in December, with a large uptick in early January. But Kreidman says the pandemic changed that.
"This year is a little bit of a wildcard because the demand for assistance has been steady," she said. "I think the experience of having been a prisoner of an abusive partner was significant and motivational for a lot of people who decided I can't live like this anymore."
"So we're a little uncertain about what to anticipate for the holidays this year. But usually, people will stay at home, kids are out of school. They're trying to make the best of a difficult situation," Kreidman told Hawaiʻi Public Radio.
The toll-free helpline is (800) 690-6200. Click here for more resources.
This interview aired on The Conversation on Dec. 15, 2021. The Conversation airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on HPR-1.
