Domestic Violence and the Holidays

Domestic Violence in Wisconsin

Domestic violence is intimidation, assault, battery, or other forms of abuse that exerts powers over one individual by another. It can take the form of physical, mental, and sexual abuse. In recent years, Wisconsin has increased the aggressiveness of its domestic violence laws and allowed more instances in which police can make arrests. 

Typically, when one thinks of domestic abuse, they imagine an abusive spouse using tactics to intimidate the other spouse through physical abuse or the threat of physical abuse. However, domestic abuse is also used to define the abuse or threat of such by one family or household member against another, including any romantic partner, children, and those who receive care through an in-home caregiver. 

When the police are called to a home for domestic violence, they will determine if the abuse occurred. An arrest will be made where the victim shows signs of physical abuse, the abuse is likely to continue, or the person suspected of the abuse is the predominant aggressor. 

After an arrest, the alleged abuser is prohibited from having any contact with the victim or victims for 72 hours. A judge may issue a restraining order preventing the suspect from having any contact with the victim. Additionally, throughout the life of the case, the suspect is not permitted to make any contact with the victim. If the suspect owns firearms and is convicted of domestic abuse, he or she loses the right to own firearms and will be required to relinquish any firearms in their possession. 

Domestic Violence Between Thanksgiving and New Years

There is evidence that has shown that domestic abuse sees an increase during this holiday period. While there is a spike during the holiday months, there seems to be less reporting on actual holidays like Christmas Day. This can be attributed to abusive households attempting to keep up appearances for family and friends visiting for holidays. 

While domestic violence is typically part of a pattern of behavior by the abuser, certain factors during the holiday season can contribute to the increase in domestic abuse seen over the holidays, including:

• Stress related to finances: Money is one of the leading causes of disagreement amongst spouses and partners. During the holiday season, the purchase of gifts can escalate the financial stress felt by a household. 
• Alcohol or other substances: The holidays are a time of revelry for many people. Mixing alcohol or substances with already violent behavior only increases the chances of domestic violence taking place in a household. 
• Increased chances to commit violent acts against members of a household: During the holidays, abusers and victims find themselves at home more, increasing the opportunities the abuse has of committing violent and threatening acts. 
• Visitation of family and friends: This could lead to frustration and more aggression on the part of the abuser since most abusers tend to isolate their victims from the outside world. 

Even where a victim decides to leave the abuser or the household, it can be hard around the holidays. Victims seeking help or refuge may find themselves feeling alone and scared, and those feelings are only exasperated on holidays like Christmas.

Have You Been Accused of Domestic Violence?

If you have been accused of domestic violence in Wisconsin, Call the Cohen Law Offices at (715) 514-5051 for your free consultation today. A domestic violence conviction in Wisconsin can result in significant penalties and the loss of certain civil liberties. Should you be arrested for domestic violence, it is important to take immediate action and contact a criminal defense attorney. The experienced attorneys at Cohen Law Offices will work to understand the facts of your case and give you the information you need to understand how your case will most likely be handled.