Holiday Family Violence Incidents Rise Over Christmas

Tasmanian family violence service Engender Equality is urging service providers to lead with empathy and awareness this Christmas. The call comes as Australian crime statistics and police data indicate a significant spike in family and sexual violence incidents over the holiday period.

Tasmanian family violence service, Engender Equality is calling for awareness and empathy from service providers over the Christmas holiday period when Australian crime statistics and police data show a significant rise in family and sexual violence incidents.

Engender Equality CEO, Alina Thomas said it can be a very challenging time for victim-survivors as perpetrator’s use Christmas ‘arrangements’, particularly in relation to children, to manipulate and attempt to exert control over, threaten, and/or harass a current or former partner.

“Safe spaces such as work and school are closed, as are services that facilitate safe changeovers for parents who are experiencing post-separation abuse,” Thomas said.

“We ask that when victim-survivors reach out for help from those services there to support them – such as Police, Accident and Emergency, GPs and the courts – they feel believed, supported and protected.

“The practices and attitudes of the support systems can make an enormous difference to the safety of victim-survivors and their children”.

The following family and sexual violence support services may also be available:

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