FOR women and children experiencing domestic and family violence, the holiday period often brings increased danger, isolation and fear.
New data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) highlights the scale of the problem.
Reported incidents of domestic and family violence rise sharply during the festive season, particularly on key public holidays.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day record around 78 percent more incidents than the daily average.
On New Year’s Day, reports increase by 118 percent.
Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services in Port Macquarie continues to respond to increased demand during this time.
The service supports women and children through safety planning, access to crisis accommodation, recovery programs and longer-term support aimed at rebuilding stability.
Liberty CEO Kelly Lamb said the festive season intensified stress for many of the families the service supports.
“Christmas can be very difficult for the women and children we support,” Ms Lamb said.
“Every gift, donation and message of care creates moments of safety and hope when they are needed most.”
Ms Lamb said community awareness of the seasonal rise in violence remained critical.
She said understanding the risks helped ensure friends, neighbours and services stayed alert to warning signs and responded early.
Researchers link the spike to a combination of factors.
Families spend more time together at home, financial pressures increase, alcohol consumption rises and emotional expectations run high.
These conditions can escalate already unsafe situations, while reduced access to workplaces, schools and support services can deepen isolation for victims.
The statistics reflect lived hardship across communities, including in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.
Women and children experiencing violence often face immediate safety concerns, housing insecurity and disruption to schooling and employment during the holiday period.
As crime data continues to show a predictable increase in domestic and family violence during the holidays, Liberty encourages the community to remain vigilant and compassionate year-round.
Support, early intervention and awareness, the service said, play a vital role in reducing harm and helping families move toward safer futures.
By Sis HIGGINS
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