Domestic abuse increases at Christmas, warns charity

Christmas is a time of intimidation, cruelty, and “sudden flashes of violence” for many women, according to a leading domestic violence support agency.

Women’s Aid also said children are used as “pawns” by abusive men during what should be a time of joy for them and their mothers.

It said it had already received calls saying the extra stress of Christmas was triggering more frequent and more severe domestic abuse.