Agencies that service domestic violence hotlines across the country agree that calls generally come in more frequently during the months from November to December. One study from a group in Idaho looked at 36,080 police reports of domestic violence. Results showed that on average there are 2.7 times more incidents reported on New Years Day than other days during the year.
The question that crosses many people’s minds is how can this happy, festive time of year turn into a violent one? The answer is that the holidays often create stress in people’s lives. The increase in alcohol consumption, financial problems and forced family get-togethers often create more anxiety and hardship, and are all factors in domestic abuse. And, with vacation time on their hands, abusers spend more time at home causing problems.
Remember that domestic abuse is behavior in which one intimate partner tries to maintain control over another. The results do not need to be physical but are mental as well. This time of year, the abuser might tighten the pocketbook so the victim can’t purchase gifts for loved ones, or refuse to allow the victim to visit family, and even one handedly cancel party or vacation plans that have been arranged.
Abuse is a choice that can be changed and stopped with the proper therapy, education and guidance. If you recognize that a friend or family member is in this type of unhealthy relationship, help them get support. If you are a victim, get out until positive action is taken. If you are ready to recognize yourself in this description and want to save your relationship before it’s too late, take an online domestic violence class.
Domestic violence or batterer’s intervention programs are readily available online for court ordered mandates as well as for personal growth and improvement. If this is a legal issue, be sure to pick a high quality distance learning course and get it approved by your judge. Look for a class that is designed by a licensed and practicing therapist and specialist in the field. Once approved, you will find that online classes enable the client to take them at their own pace and in their own home. No need to add stress by driving across town to make a traditional classroom schedule. Online classes are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are competitively priced and will save you extra money in gas and parking. They also provide the client with complete anonymity, so other’s in the community don’t find out that you have been forced to pursue this path.
Taking an 8 hour online domestic violence class this holiday season is a way to make a positive change and serious investment in your future. Classes teach how to identify the triggers that cause this behavior and techniques to stop the cycle. Often times, controlling personalities lack empathy for others. Therefore, programs cover empathy training, conflict resolution, stress management skills and how to effectively communicate with your intimate partner in a positive way. Acknowledging your abusive behavior is the first step toward breaking this tragic cycle. Invest the time today, for a better tomorrow.
