For many, Christmas is a time for celebration. For others, it is one of the most dangerous and isolating points of the year. Domestic abuse does not pause for the festive season. In fact, incidents often rise.
Workplaces play a bigger part in safety than most people realise. This is why the way you respond to staff during December, including Christmas parties, matters more than you think.
At Domestic Abuse Education, we see year after year how the holiday season increases risk, reduces support options, and heightens the pressure felt by victim survivors. Understanding these patterns helps employers support staff in ways that genuinely protect them.
Why Christmas increases risk
Research from the Home Office and Scottish Women’s Aid highlights a consistent pattern: reports of domestic abuse often rise over the festive period. Contributing factors include:
More time at home
Work closures and school holidays force more extended periods of contact with the abuser. When someone typically uses work as a safe space, losing this routine increases vulnerability.
Financial pressure
The cost of Christmas, food, gifts, and travel can increase tension. Financial strain is one of the strongest predictors of escalating abuse.
Isolation from support
Friends and colleagues are away. Services run reduced hours. Abusers often use this to isolate their partner further.
Alcohol use
While alcohol does not cause abuse, it can increase the severity of violence in relationships where abuse already exists.
Expectations around family events
Victims often feel pressured to “keep the peace”, remain silent or comply with demands to avoid conflict. Abusers use guilt, obligation and tradition as tools of control.
The hidden link: Christmas parties and workplace events
Work Christmas parties can unintentionally become a point of risk for victim survivors.
We encourage employers to be mindful of:
When staff cannot attend
Do not pressure someone into attending. They may be avoiding conflict, monitoring, or control at home.
When someone leaves early
This can be a safety tactic. Some victims are only permitted a certain amount of time away from home.
When someone seems distracted or anxious
Excessive phone checking, visible discomfort or sudden changes in behaviour can indicate coercive control.
When an abuser turns up
This happens more often than people realise. Some abusers appear at workplaces or venues uninvited.
Your response matters. A non-judgmental “Are you ok?” can offer someone the space to share what they’re dealing with.
At DAE, we regularly hear from survivors who say a colleague’s understanding during a Christmas event was the turning point that helped them seek support.
The impact on victims during December
Victims describe:
- Higher levels of fear
- Constant monitoring or surveillance
- Greater emotional manipulation
- Fewer chances to reach out
- Heightened anxiety about money, family plans, and exposure
- Deep loneliness when everyone else is “celebrating”
For some, Christmas is the moment they feel most trapped.
What employers can do
Workplaces remain among the safest and most stable environments a victim-survivor has. Something as simple as awareness within your team can offer a lifeline.
Here’s what helps:
1. Keep communication open
Check in with staff quietly and privately. Not everyone will feel comfortable disclosing, but knowing you care makes a difference.
2. Be flexible
Adjustments to hours or workspace can be essential. Even small changes help someone manage risk.
3. Avoid judgment
If someone pulls out of events, arrives late, or appears withdrawn, you may be seeing the impact of coercive control.
4. Promote internal support routes
Make your domestic abuse policy easy to access — especially during December.
5. Share external support discreetly
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
- Refuge: www.refuge.org.uk
- Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
Placing information in communal areas or digital spaces helps people access help safely.
The workplace is often the only safe space.
This is why domestic abuse awareness must sit within workplace culture, not only at home.
At Domestic Abuse Education, we deliver CPD-accredited training that helps teams recognise signs, respond safely, and refer colleagues to support. Our updated resources, including Sharon’s Policy and Protecting Every Future, helping employers build practical frameworks for safety.
You can download our free resources here:
A final message for December
Christmas is not safe for everyone.
When we stay alert, open, and compassionate, we give victim survivors the chance to stay safe, be heard, and access support.
If your organisation wants to strengthen its approach in 2026, we are here to help.
When we educate, we save lives.
