As the festive season approaches, Somerset Council is calling on the public and employers to be alert to the signs of domestic abuse, which increases at this time of year.
While many people look forward to celebrating with loved ones, for those experiencing domestic abuse, Christmas can be a frightening time. The pressures of the season – financial worries, family tensions, increased alcohol consumption, and spending more time with a partner or family member can escalate controlling, coercive, or violent behaviour.
Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Executive Member for Communities at Somerset Council, said:
Christmas should be a time of joyful celebration, but sadly, cases of domestic abuse surge during the festive period.
Stress, family quarrels, alcohol and the pressure to make the season perfect can all contribute. We urge everyone to be vigilant and to look out for the signs of domestic abuse among friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues.
Recognising the signs of domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is defined as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
Somerset Council encourages everyone to familiarise themselves with the warning signs, which can include:
- Sudden changes in behaviour or personality
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities
- Unexplained injuries or excuses for harm
- Anxiety or fear around a partner or family member
- Restrictions on finances, social contact, or personal freedom
Support for those affected
Somerset Domestic Abuse Support offers confidential, non-judgemental advice and assistance for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or for those concerned about a friend, family member, neighbour, or colleague. Services include:
- Guidance on safety planning
- Advocacy and referrals to specialist support services
- Emotional support and practical help to access legal or housing assistance
Estimates suggest that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, meaning that many of us will know someone who may be suffering in silence.
Employers can help too
The Council has also launched an employers’ toolkit, available on the Somerset Domestic Abuse Support website, providing guidance for workplaces to support employees and tackle domestic abuse effectively.
Help is available, all year round
Somerset Council’s domestic abuse service operates year-round to provide advice, support, and resources for those affected by domestic abuse. Support is available for those experiencing domestic abuse.
For those who are concerned about their own behaviour, visit the Information for those causing harm page.
Help is available every day. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, contact Somerset Domestic Abuse Service by:
- calling 0800 69 49 999 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week including Christmas day, Boxing Day and bank holidays), or
- emailing domesticabuseservice@somerset.gov.uk.
- If you’re in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak, dial 55 when prompted – this will connect you to the police through the Silent Solution system.
- For those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired, register with emergencySMS.net to text 999 in an emergency. If you use British Sign Language (BSL), you can dial 999 BSL for BSL support.
By working together and raising awareness, meaningful steps can be taken towards ending gender-based violence.
