Domestic Violence Arrests Increase Around the Holidays
The winter holiday season is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, but most adults know that the season can be stressful as well. Domestic violence arrests tend to increase drastically around the holidays. Emotions tend to run high during the holiday season, making disputes between family members and romantic partners more likely to turn violent. Conflict can escalate rapidly, and something as simple as pushing that annoying cousin out of your way at the family holiday party can get you arrested and charged with domestic violence. Domestic violence is considered more serious than a typical assault, because the attack is against a family member or someone you are dating or dated in the past. If you get arrested for domestic violence, you need an experienced Joliet, IL criminal defense lawyer to help you.
Why is Domestic Violence More Common During the Winter Holiday Season?
While children should be carefree and excited, adults can be under incredible stress during the winter holidays. A few of the reasons why domestic violence increases during the holidays include:
- Financial stress - Financial stress is one of the leading causes of fights between couples. When you are stretched thin buying gifts, traveling, or handling other holiday expenses, it can lead to fights with your significant other. These fights can turn violent when emotions are running high.
- Being with distant family members - You only see certain relatives once a year around the holidays, and for good reason - although you are family, you have nothing in common and cannot stand each other. During a contentious election year, political differences may be especially spotlighted during family get-togethers. Getting into a physical altercation with a family member can lead to a domestic violence arrest.
- Alcohol consumption - Holiday parties often feature heavy alcohol consumption. While you may have hoped that a few servings of a seasonal beverage would make it easier to tolerate the other guests, alcohol sometimes has the opposite effect.
- Inability to leave an escalating fight - During the warmer months, if you notice a fight with your romantic partner escalating, it is very easy to go for a walk or a drive while you both cool off. This solution may be less effective if it is below freezing and you would have to shovel your car out first. Simply spending more time in the home together because it is too cold to go out and do the activities you normally do can also cause disagreements to escalate.
Contact a Grundy County, IL Domestic Violence Attorney
Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. can help if you are arrested for domestic violence this holiday season. Dedicated Joliet, IL domestic violence lawyer Jack Zaremba will do all he can to minimize the impact of your charges. Contact us at 815-740-4025 for a complimentary consultation.