Domestic Violence Spikes During the Holidays

 Posted on November 11, 2022 in Domestic Violence

The holiday season is typically a time for generosity and family get-togethers. Ironically, domestic violence increases across the nation during major holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. In Illinois, one in three women and one in four men have experienced domestic abuse including shoving and slapping. A domestic violence conviction comes with serious legal consequences.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a concerning trend that involves intimidation, threats, physical injury, sexual assault, emotional abuse, and even death. If you are convicted, it can result in up to a year in jail. If there is a previous conviction for domestic violence it could be considered a Class 4 felony which could lead to up to three years in prison.

What Causes Domestic Abuse to Rise During the Holiday Season?

Unfortunately, domestic violence tends to go up during the holiday season. Perhaps the stress from holiday shopping and planning aggravates volatile personalities or triggers issues that have been brewing between couples. Here are other reasons why domestic violence does not take a holiday in what is supposed to be a time of celebration:

• There is an increase in alcohol use during the holiday season that can lead to violent behavior.
• People are more likely to indulge if they have a substance abuse problem or if they do not have to go to work.
• Domestic violence may be reported less during the holidays but that is not to mean it does not happen. That is because some people try to show a united front during the holidays by maintaining an image of a happy family.  
• More people are home and around each other for long periods making it easier to get on each other’s nerves.

Potential Legal Problems

Domestic battery is a serious problem for both men and women that has no place in civil society. However, neither do false accusations about domestic violence which can ruin a person’s life. At our firm, we will try to help you protect your rights if you are facing any of the following charges or legal issues: 

• Misdemeanor or felony domestic battery charges
• False allegations of domestic violence
• Charges for harassment and stalking
• Sexual assault charges
• Violations of a temporary restraining order or order of protection
• False allegations of child abuse
• Restrictions to seeing your children

Contact a Kane County Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are accused of domestic violence, we will work hard to help you avoid a conviction and provide you with guidance that you need. At The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola, we provide aggressive legal representation. Call 847-488-0889 for a free consultation. An Elgin, IL domestic violence attorney will help you protect your rights and discuss your options.

Sources:

https://ncadv.org/statistics

https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2497/ncadv_illinois_fact_sheet_2020.pdf

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=2100