Christmas stress triggers violence

EXTRA stress during the Christmas period triggers more frequent and severe domestic violence towards women, according to an advocacy group.

Women’s Aid said the extra pressures placed on women over the festive season can exacerbate incidents of domestic violence. In particular, women are reporting increasing financial abuse by their by ex-partners and ex-husbands.

Examples of financial abuse include withholding money for Christmas presents and food, withholding child maintenance and forcing the woman to take debt in her name to meet the family financial needs.