Christmas and New Year are typically times of happiness, with families and friends coming together and celebrating. For people experiencing domestic abuse, it can be a very stressful time, filled with lots of additional pressures, especially financial. Earlier this month, one woman recalled her Christmas experiences of domestic abuse in an account she gave to the Metro newspaper after her former partner was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment. A reminder that with the heightened pressures and tensions, there often comes an increase in incidents of domestic abuse. People in abusive relationships may stay put over Christmas, not wanting to split the family up over Christmas because of children or not wanting to disrupt family occasions.
Refuge Poems
The national domestic abuse charity Refuge have released two poems to raise awareness of domestic abuse over the festive period. When read from top to bottom, the poems convey happy messages of togetherness. However, when read from the bottom to the top, the poems have a different meaning, highlighting an abusive relationship. You can read both poems in the online edition of Cosmopolitan. The hidden meaning of the poems is reflective of abusive relationships, where incidences of abuse are sometimes concealed from family and friends, especially around Christmas.
We hope that our supporters have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or have concerns about someone else, call our support line on 0300 561 0077 for confidential advice. This line will be available 24 hours a day throughout the Christmas period as it is throughout the rest of the year. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Leeway Office Opening Times
Leeway Refuge Opening Times
