Each year as we find ourselves in the midst of the holiday season, we often hear the question, "Does domestic violence increase during the holidays (the time period beginning the week of Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day)?" In short, it's not worse. However, while the holidays are often thought of as the best time of the year, it can be more difficult for victims of domestic violence. The holidays can be a very dark and scary time. Unrealistic expectations, financial pressures, and the increased consumption of alcohol can raise stress levels, which can contribute to incidents of domestic violence. In this episode, we unpack how the holidays can impact abuse with DASAS therapist Elizabeth Alderson. Resources: * Domestic Violence and the Holidays: A Survivor’s Guide (https://mariadroste.org/resources/articles/domestic-violence-and-the-holidays-a-survivors-guide/) * The Myth of Holiday Domestic Violence (https://wcmqt.org/news/the-myth-of-holiday-domestic-violence/) * FAQ: Does domestic violence increase during the holidays? (https://www.violencefreecolorado.org/2014/12/faq-dv-during-the-holidays/) * Pass the potatoes — and stop talking down to your wife. What to do if you spot signs of domestic abuse at your family’s holiday gathering. (https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/ct-life-domestic-violence-holiday-tt-20191220-v2ud6qtdtveibevyvt6rrxxupa-story.html) ——————————— If you need resources or help in any way, call our 24 hour hotline at 800-828-2023 or visit www.DASASMI.org. Subscribe for a new episode each week. We publish every Wednesday morning at 8:00am. Subscribe to the weekly email newsletter here (http://eepurl.com/gtqeRb) or at our website here (https://www.dasasmi.org/podcast). We appreciate your help in spreading the message of hope. You can help us reach more listeners by leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/im-not-in-an-abusive-relationship/id1457515257?mt=2) or where you listen, and by sharing on social media.