During the holiday season, we see frequent messaging about love, family, and joy over the holidays. However, there is also a dark side to this season. You may be surprised to learn that reports of domestic violence tend to increase around major winter holidays. Let’s discuss some of the reasons why this could be the case.
Alcohol Consumption
For many people, alcohol is involved in holiday festivities. While this isn’t inherently bad, it could be a reason for increased domestic violence cases. About two-thirds of victims report that their attacker had consumed alcohol before or during the altercation.
Alcohol affects people in different ways, but some of the most common alcohol-induced behavioral changes include:
- Increased impulsivity
- Increased aggression
- Inhibited rational thought
These three factors alone may cause a minor argument to quickly get out of hand when one party is under the influence.
Financial Strain
A majority of people have experienced financial stress in some way and can attest to the fact that it can be overwhelming. When the holidays roll around, it adds more fuel to the fire. Not only are you now required to budget for gifts, but also for holiday travel, heating bills, and other season-specific expenses.
For individuals who live paycheck-to-paycheck or have minimal savings, these costs can become a significant source of underlying stress. In extreme cases, this stress can manifest into severe and violent arguments with romantic partners or other family members.
Time Spent Together
While many people look forward to seeing family and friends over the holidays, too much of a good thing can become bad. Increased time spent with family and friends gives more opportunity for arguments to arise and escalate.
Minneapolis Domestic Assault Defense
At Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A., we understand that the holidays can be difficult for many people for a variety of reasons. If you become involved in a domestic incident this upcoming holiday that leads to criminal charges, our dedicated defense attorneys are here to help. Having a domestic violence conviction on your record can have numerous adverse effects on your life, and we will do everything in our power to get you a favorable outcome.
Fill out our online form or call us at (612) 444-5020 to get started on your defense.