Christmas Should Be Time of Whānau, Not Fear – But Domestic Violence Spikes Instead

As Aotearoa heads into the festive season, data from New Zealand and overseas paints a grim picture: for too many whānau, Christmas and summer holidays are not warm and joyous – but dangerous. Reports to police, helplines, and family-violence services surge over December and January.

There are several overlapping factors that tend to trigger spikes in domestic and family violence during the holiday season:

• Heightened stress and financial pressure – the demands of providing presents, food, travel, and hosting can stretch already tight budgets, stirring tension in households.

• More time at home together – with schools closed and many on holiday, there are fewer “safe spaces” outside the home. Victims have less opportunity to escape escalating conflicts.

• Alcohol and substance use – festive gatherings often involve drinking, which can amplify aggression and lower inhibitions. Studies consistently show spikes in domestic violence on and around public holidays, including Christmas and Boxing Day.

• Disruption of social support and services – during holidays, many support services, schools, and community organisations reduce hours or close, leaving victims with fewer outlets for help.

• In previous years, police in New Zealand have noted a rise in “family harm” call-outs during the summer season.

• International research – such as from Australia – shows that domestic-violence assaults can increase by up to 78% on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, compared with average days.

• Across Aotearoa, only a fraction of all family violence – estimated at less than one-third – is ever reported to police. This means that the true scale of holiday-season violence is likely much higher than official figures.

The damage done during holiday-period violence goes beyond physical harm. For those trapped in abusive homes, Christmas can be a time of fear, isolation, and despair. For children – who may witness or endure violence – the trauma can leave long-lasting scars on their sense of safety, trust, and self-worth.

For many, the decision to stay silent is driven by fear: fear of escalation, fear of reprisal, fear of having nowhere to go when services are shut. Especially in smaller communities and among whānau already facing economic pressures, the barriers to seeking help can feel insurmountable.

As Radio Waatea listeners and members of whānau and community, there are things we can do to support those at risk this summer:

• Watch out for your whānau and neighbours. If you suspect someone might be going through violence – check in, offer a kōrero, and remind them they are not alone.

• Share helpline and support-service information. Even during holidays, many frontline services remain available. Simple reminders can save lives.

• Be mindful of alcohol use and financial stress. What might seem like harmless holiday fun or gift-giving pressure can become triggers in unhappy homes.

• Advocate for stronger support networks. Push for reliable, culturally responsive services for whānau – including shelters, counselling, crisis intervention, and kaupapa Māori supports that respect identity and community values.

Christmas should be a time of light, connection, and hope for all whānau. But for too many, it’s become a time of survival – a season where hidden violence escalates in silence.

As a community, we have the power to change that. By being alert, kind, and courageous enough to speak up – we can help turn this festive season from one of fear, into one of mana, whānau, and healing.

For anyone needing help: reach out. You are not alone.

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