Domestic violence awareness agencies offer support through the holidays

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- For domestic violence awareness agencies, the holiday season is often accompanied by an increase in domestic violence incidents.

Although the holidays can be fun for many, domestic violence agencies say added stressors often cause an uptick in violence. They want people to know just because some people have off for the holidays, their programs are always there to help.

“There's always someone to answer the hotline, to offer support,” Lillian Howard, director of clinical and supportive services for Lutheran Social Services Choices, said.

Lutheran Social Services Choices is the only domestic violence shelter in Franklin County. Howard said LSS Choices always sees an increase in calls for service during the holiday season.

“We have the perception that everyone is sitting around a big table and they are saying grace and giving thanks for different things that have happened throughout the year. But in families where there is a lot of coercive control happening, there is an increase,” Howard said.

Howard said it often has to do with stressors like finances or having lots of people in the home. They say alcohol also adds fuel to the fire. 

Rachel Ramirez, the director of health and disability programs for the Ohio Domestic Violence network, said sometimes around the holidays their network gets fewer calls, which is also worrisome.

“When we have more people at home and there's just more time and more opportunity for people to get hurt, as well as there's less options. It's harder sometimes for domestic violence survivors to reach out for help," Ramirez said.

She said knowing the resources available to help could make all the difference. Ramirez said to never underestimate the power of a supportive person in your life.

“Just to make sure that survivor knows that you are there for them. Regardless, it is really, really important that we do our best to refrain from any type of judgment," Ramirez said. "Domestic violence agencies are open and available and accessible during all of the holidays and that we are here to support domestic violence survivors.”

Both groups said there are people monitoring their hotlines 24/7. LSS Choices' hotline is 614-224-HOME (4663), and the Ohio Domestic Violence Network's hotline is 1-800-934-9840. If someone is unable to call, they can also chat live through the National Domestic Violence Hotline here.