Domestic violence incidents increase in winter months

SPRINGFIELD, ILL (WICS/WRSP) — Over the past month, several small towns in Central Illinois have seen an increase in domestic violence-related deaths.

This follows two murder suicides within a few weeks of each other in both Moweaqua and Mattoon.

Newschannel 20 spoke to several experts to see if there will be an increase in domestic violence during the colder months, and unfortunately the answer is yes.

According to many domestic violence shelters in the area, the need for help may increase during the winter months, especially during the holidays.

For many of us, spending time with family during the holidays is a way to show love and appreciation for each other.

But for some, this can be a nightmare.

“Going home for the holidays can be a really bad thing for these people,” said Sojourn Shelter CEO Angela Bertoni.

Shelters across Illinois say an increase in domestic violence incidents is common during the winter months for many reasons.

“Everyone wants to get their family back together for the holidays; as we all know, oftentimes when families get together there are arguments, and unfortunately I think this is accelerated in cases of domestic violence,” Bertoni said. he said.

Not only that, but cold weather can also make this difficult.

Bertoni said he has witnessed people sleeping in their cars or even on the streets during the warmer months, but in the winter there is a risk of freezing.

“If you don’t have reliable transportation, that can often mean that you may be trapped in your home and unable to escape domestic violence,” Bertoni said.

There may also be additional pressures families feel during the holidays.

“Stress is a major factor in what’s going on in people’s homes,” said Ryan Huff, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Dove in Decatur.

“Both the person being abused and the person causing the harm may want their families to be together and at least try to present themselves as a happy family to the extended family,” said Vickie Smith, former CEO of IL. Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Bertoni said he also saw an increase in domestic violence cases in January as all the holidays ended.

But experts said there was more work to be done to combat the rise in domestic violence cases.

“Our professionals working in this field, law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, other social workers need to be better informed about what domestic violence is, because, as we always say, just leaving will not help. there is a good plan,” Smith said.

Smith added that domestic violence has never been this common during the holidays, but after Covid-19, they have seen this trend increase over the years.

If you or a loved one needs help, please call the helpline.

Temporary Shelter hotline: (217) 726-5100

Illinois Domestic Violence hotline: (877) 863-6338

Pigeon hotline: 217-423-2238

National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE