What is supposed to be ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ can, for many, be the most frightening and dangerous.

Local independent charity, Leeds Women’s Aid, has been supporting women and children suffering from domestic abuse for over 50 years. The charity delivers the Leeds Domestic Violence Service 24hr Helpline, and has reported a worrying pattern around the Christmas period.

For the past two years, the helpline figures have shown an increase of almost 50% in January compared to December, with the pattern set to continue.

The charity claims the reason for this is an increase in domestic abuse over Christmas, accumulating in many people calling for help once the festivities are over.

Chief Executive of Leeds Women’s Aid, Nik Peasgood, said: “Each year, we see that victim-survivors ‘get through’ Christmas and then contact us for help as soon as the period is over. Factors causing the correlation include increased time at home with many people off work, family tensions, financial strain and increased alcohol intake. The combination of all of these things can exacerbate violent and abusive behaviours, leading to dangerous and potentially life threatening situations.⁠

Although the statistics show that people tend to avoid calling during the festive period, we encourage those experiencing abuse to reach out to us via the Leeds Domestic Violence Service helpline or online chat service. Our expert advisers are available 24 hours a day, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and can help to put safety plans in place, talk through your options, and provide emotional support. If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.”

Fran Murphy, a victim-survivor of domestic abuse, who works with Leeds Women’s Aid and Leeds Domestic Violence Service to raise awareness, said: “There’s so much pressure around Christmas for everything to be just like the adverts on TV. The long build up and all the time off work combined with alcohol and families kept in the house together means that daily routine just goes out of the window, and it’s an absolute recipe for disaster.

I had really horrible experience around Christmas time, I made a decision on Christmas Eve in 2021 that I needed to get out of the home I was living in with my abuser. I got in touch with my dad to ask him to collect me from a bus station on Boxing Day. Once I had made that decision and I knew that I was leaving, I just put all of my energy into getting through Christmas Day, which was a horrible day of this pressure where we’re all meant to be celebrating and joyous – it’s just not the reality for a lot of people.”

Calls to the Leeds Domestic Violence Service helpline increased by 44% in January 2023 (compared to December 2022), and 46% in January 2024 (compared to December 2023).

Leeds Domestic Violence Service supports all genders over the age of 16 that have been affected by domestic violence and/or abuse. Services include any a 24hr telephone helpline, online chat service, emergency refuge accommodation, legal advocacy and discreet drop-in services across the city.

Call the 24hr helpline for support and advice on 0113 246 0401

For media enquiries, please contact Hannah Whyte at hannahw@leedswomensaid.org.uk

Leeds Women's Aid

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