Domestic violence cases rise around Valentine’s Day, other holidays

Oswego, N.Y. — This Saturday is Valentine’s Day and for some, that can mean flowers, or a special night out. For thousands of others, it can mean stress and survival.

In the United States, domestic violence rates spike around Valentine’s Day and other holidays, according to the National Coalition against domestic violence. The U.S. sees 21 million domestic violence cases each year. 15% of those happen on or around holidays, including Valentine’s Day. That is mroe than 3-million domestic violence cases in roughly 10 days out of the year.

SUNY Oswego’s Title IX coordinator, Lisa Evaneski, attributes this spike in domestic violence to added pressure from holidays, and the feel for a need of a “perfect relationship”.

“If you think about expectations, people go into holidays with expectations that they’re going to be full of comfort and joy, or they’re going to be full of love because it’s Valentine’s Day.” Evaneski said. “While really, if you have an unhealthy relationship, and now you’re going into the holiday with a lot of expectations, on both sides, maybe throw in some alcohol, throw in some family drama, throw in a lot of other things, and that’s going to lead to more problems, fights, overreactions and violence.”

Evaneski also shared that it takes the average victim up to seven attempts to leave an abusive relationship. Victims may fear retaliation, rely on their abusive partner financially, have no place to stay or a safe place to put their children, Evanski said.

Last week, the Oswego County Childcare Assistance Program was halted due to a shortage in funding. For some families, childcare can be key in removing kids from unsafe homes. However, even though this program is on pause. There are still options for survivors. Both services to aid families and the Child Advocacy Center of Oswego can offer support to families in need.