For many, the holidays are a time of family and fellowship. But domestic violence never takes a holiday. Just last year alone, SafeHouse Denver received about 14,000 calls.
Denver 7 reporter Kristen Skovira spoke to counselors at SafeHouse Denver who say many victims of domestic abuse stay silent during the holidays.
“[It is] physical violence, but it can also be sexual abuse, it can be financial abuse, it can be emotional abuse and verbal abuse,” said Abigail Eschler, the Director of Counseling & Advocacy Services, “Nationwide we see a decrease in crisis line calls on holidays, but domestic violence doesn't take a break during the holidays either.”
Just because people try to keep the family together or maintain holiday traditions for the kids doesn't mean the abuse stops.
“There's definitely increased stress during the holidays, experience of isolation, not being able to be with their family. It can be very hard on survivors,” Eschler said.
Eschler says they will find families a place to stay, they even have gifts for those brave enough to call their crisis line and break the cycle of abuse.
If you need help or know someone who does, call the 24-hour crisis line: 303-318-9989
This is how to get help for domestic violence
