Media Release

Shine Helpline available to help during Christmas period

While Christmas is supposed to be a happy time of year, for victims of domestic abuse it can be even more scary and dangerous. Shine warns that the stresses associated with the festive season can lead to an increase of domestic violence incidents.

Shine usually sees an increase of domestic abuse referrals over the holiday period; last year there was an increase in referrals of 40% during the period between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

According to Jill Proudfoot, Client Services Director of Shine,

“The increase in domestic abuse during the Christmas period may be due to added financial stress, an increase in alcohol consumption, difficult relationship dynamics with extended family, decisions around where and how to spend the holidays, access to children for separated parents, etc..

“It is important to understand that these kinds of stressors do not actually cause domestic abuse, but rather exacerbate abusive dynamics that already exist. For example a partner that uses various tactics to control a partner may use financial stress or alcohol as an excuse to lash out.”

It is important that victims of abuse know where to seek help during this busy time of year, especially when many agencies and service providers are closed or only open limited hours during the holidays.

“The Shine Helpline will be operating as usual 7 days a week, from 9am – 11pm for anyone who needs our help, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Shine Helpline advocates can assist callers with safety planning, risk assessment, and referral information,” says Jill.

“if you see or know someone being abused, it is important that that you do something about it. If it is too dangerous to intervene, ring the police. If is less urgent, but you don’t know what to do, ring the Shine Helpline for advice.”.

Shine Helpline 0508-744-633 (7 days/week, 9am – 11pm)

www.2shine.org.nz

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