Why the holiday season can pose risks for victims of violence

The weeks leading up to the new year are often a time of celebration, community and joy — but for some, they can present an increased risk of danger.

Experts say financial pressures, alcohol consumption, and the stress of social obligations are all factors that contribute to a rise in intimate partner violence around the holiday season.

It’s why Heather Brisebois, director of Shelter Movers Ottawa, says calls to her organization are typically higher this time of year.

Shelter Movers Ottawa is the local branch of a national charity that provides free moving and storage services for people fleeing abuse.

Brisebois says demand for those services goes up before or after specific holidays, like Christmas.

She told CBC that’s especially true if children are involved.

“People are thinking, you know, ‘I need to leave before Christmas so that we can start anew.’ And some people are thinking, ‘no, I'm going to leave after Christmas because we want to keep things together,” she said.

But while more people might reach out for support during the holidays, the reality is that intimate partner violence happens year-round.

Shelter Movers Ottawa, which is run by just over 100 volunteers, has completed more than a thousand moves in the last decade, with demand for services doubling in the past eight years.

“Last year, we were averaging 21 moves a month," Brisebois said.

Reports of intimate partner violence on the rise

Brisebois isn't the only one getting an influx of calls related to abuse.

According to the most recent data from the Ottawa Police Service, intimate partner violence rose by 8.6 per cent from January through September this year compared to the same time in 2024.

There were 5,050 reports during that time frame in 2024, compared to 5,486 in 2025.

Bailey Reid hopes those numbers mean the police will put more resources towards its intimate partner violence response.

But Reid, the senior advisor on gender and sexual violence prevention and support at Carleton University, said she also knows not everyone is comfortable going to the police.

While reporting and demand for services related to intimate partner violence continues to climb, Reid said that for organizations that support women and abuse victims, funding has remained mostly the same for the past 10 years.

"They're seeking support in crisis lines, through women's organizations. And gender-diverse and non-binary people are also needing support and are perhaps looking for specialized support in other organizations," Reid said.

"So you know, that funding piece is really critical for not just response but also prevention."

'The holidays just expose it'

Ottawa isn't alone in facing higher rates of intimate partner violence in recent years.

According to Ontario Provincial Police data, reports of intimate partner violence have steadily risen in Ontario, with 6,289 victims in 2024 compared to 5,326 in 2023 — which in turn was 13.5 per cent higher than in 2022.

Organizations that work to fight gender-based violence in Canada say it's a similar situation across the country.

"Violence is already present. The holidays just expose it," said Angela Marie MacDougall, the executive director of Battered Women's Support Services, an advocacy organization based in Vancouver.

In November, British Columbia announced new measures to combat intimate partner violence.

Just a few weeks later, on Dec. 20, a man was charged with second-degree murder by the RCMP in connection with the death of his wife in Merritt, B.C.

The RCMP was investigating claims of intimate partner violence just days before the woman died. MacDougall says deaths like that could have been prevented.

The holidays can increase isolation from work and external supports, MacDougall said, allowing abusive partners to "tighten control."

The most effective way to help someone experiencing intimate partner violence is by alleviating that isolation, she said.

"Our role as community is to help create safe pathways out ... while also holding the one that does harm accountable for their harm," MacDougall said.

"But it does require all levels of government to care."

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.