For those experiencing domestic violence, the holidays can be a dangerous time, experts say

Though the holidays are a time of connection and celebration for many people, for those experiencing intimate partner violence, it can be a dangerous time of year where there is no escape from their abuser, front-line service providers say. 

While research on exact numbers is limited, some organizations that work with domestic violence survivors in the Greater Toronto Area say they see a rise in calls and requests for help during the holidays year after year. 

Last year, Victim Services Toronto saw a 20 per cent increase in calls for service in December compared to November, said Jasminder Sekhon, director of community engagement with the service provider. 

That's partly because people are typically spending more time indoors, and more time with their abusers, during the holidays — and have fewer opportunities to get away, Sekhon said. 

"People aren't going to work as often themselves, and so there's really no reprieve, no escape, and so that's the challenge for people experiencing violence."

Lisa Manuel, clinical services director at Family Service Toronto, which provides a variety of supports for families, said their requests for service doubled between November and December this year. 

"We know that the stress on families increases during the holiday season, as families come together," she said in an email. 

"Families are already feeling the pressures to meet their basic needs, and this become compounded at this time of year as people try to live up to expectations and want to provide for their children." 

A report from the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH) that analyzed police data and media stories found there were 42 confirmed femicides in Ontario between November 2023 and July 2024, up from 38 during the same time period a year prior. 

Femicide is defined as "the killing of one or more females, primarily by males, because they are female," according to the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice.

In November, the Ontario NDP called on the province to declare intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic, something Toronto and the Peel Region did last year. 

WATCH | Advocates call for Ontario to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic: 

Ontario under pressure to declare ‘intimate partner violence epidemic’

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Ontario opposition members are pushing the Ford government to declare intimate partner violence an ‘epidemic.’ Advocates say such a declaration would make it easier for victims to get legal protections and support.

Pressure to stay during holidays 

At the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, which offers legal counsel and other services for women experiencing abuse, executive director Deepa Mattoo said they often see more clients approaching them for help in early December.

Many of those clients say they are anxious about a possible escalation of violence over the holidays, Mattoo said. 

"During the holidays, we are all encouraging people to go shopping or stay at home with friends and family, and we forget that for some people, those are not the safe places."

Mattoo said the pressure to make the holidays a happy time can also put victims in a dangerous situation where they will delay planning to leave until January due to pressure to keep up appearances. 

"A lot of survivors struggle with that. They don't want to take their last holiday season from their children or their family members away," she said. 

"So they want to endure this one last time so that they can make some decisions in January."

Sekhon at Victim Services Toronto says that if you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, there are services available even during the holidays when many offices are closed. 

"There are supports and resources that continue to remain open that are here to help, and you don't have to go through this by yourself," she said. 

"You're deserving of support and we're here to support you."

For anyone affected by family or intimate partner violence, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services. ​​If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.