Christmas a time of ‘fear, intimidation and cruelty’ for vulnerable women

Christmas time can trigger a rise in the frequency and severity of abuse against women and children.

Director of Women’s Aid, Margaret Martin, says many men use children to control and intimidate at this time of year.

“Christmas can be a time when fear, intimidation, casual cruelty and sudden flashes of violence are directed towards women and their children,” said Ms Martin.

She said women could be particularly vulnerable at this time because they are trying to create a happy Christmas for their children. “Physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse are part of an ongoing pattern, which doesn’t subside during the festive season,” she said.

In the days between Christmas and new year, Women’s Aid receives calls from women who find themselves in fear of assault at home or suddenly find themselves homeless and destitute after walking out with their children following an explosion of abuse.

A client of Women’s Aid said her controlling husband will not give her maintenance for Christmas unless she lets him into the family home.

Her husband has threatened to tell their children it is her fault Santa will not be coming this Christmas.

“I have to face my children having no Christmas unless he gets his way.”

Meanwhile, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said it receives thousands of calls to its national 24-hour helpline (1800 778888) over Christmas and the new year.

Last December and January there were 2,113 calls to the helpline. Over the period, 50 victims of recent rape and sexual assault were accompanied by trained volunteers to the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin.

DRCC chief executive Ellen O’Malley Dunlop said everything must be done to stem the rise of such heinous crimes being committed with impunity.

“This year, as well as targeting potential victims and reiterating our staying safe tips for the holiday period, we are also targeting the potential perpetrator,” said Ms O’Malley Dunlop.

“Don’t be that Guy” is a campaign the DRCC has supported with students at Trinity College Dublin and the Union of Students of Ireland.

The campaign urges men to think twice about their behaviour and offers tips to keep safe this Christmas.

* www.drcc.ie.

* www.womensaid.ie.