NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — Domestic violence is a serious issue that is often heightened during the holiday season.

Dr. Cheryl Chavers, a domestic violence specialist with the Newport News Police Department Domestic Violence Team, works around the clock to ensure people in Hampton Roads are aware off the red flags in relationships.

“Around the holidays, stress does increase because people feel the pressure of having to get Christmas gifts and provide for their families,” said Dr. Chavers. “Unfortunately, when there are times when stress increases in our community, then domestic violence also increases.”

Research shows there are a number of reasons abuse rates go up during the end of the year — including stress with money trying to buy gifts or host gatherings, managing mental health triggers during family gatherings and/or drinking more alcohol during the holiday breaks.

There are several resources available for families experiencing abuse, physical or mental, during the colder months. 

“We want to do whatever we can to be as proactive and preventative as possible, letting people know that there are resources in the community to be able to help people who are in need and who need some assistance with their safety regarding domestic violence,” said Dr. Chavers. 

If you or you know someone who may be a victim of domestic violence or child abuse, click here for a list of local and national resources.

Avalon Center in Williamsburg

Eastern Shore Coalition Against Domestic Violence

  • Hotline number: 757-787-1329
  • Offers: emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline, individual counseling, safety planning, children’s services, legal advocacy, accompaniment during hospital visits and court appearances and support groups to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
  • Website: escadv.org

Samaritan House Inc. in Virginia Beach

  • Phone: 757-631-0710
  • Offers counseling, emergency shelter placement and safety planning.
  • 24-hour Crisis Hotline 757-430-2120

H.E.R. Shelter in Portsmouth

The Genieve Shelter in Suffolk

  • Phone: 757-925-4365
  • Offers emergency shelter and crisis services.
  • Crisis Hotline 757-705-2025 or 757-353-1439
  • Contáctanos para ayuda inmediata 1-800-969-4673
  • Website: thegenieveshelter.org

Transitions Family Violence Services in Hampton

  • Phone: 757-722-2261
  • Offers emergency shelter, crisis services, court advocacy, and counseling.
  • 24-hour Crisis Hotline 757-723-7774
  • Website: transitionsfvs.org

YWCA South Hampton Roads in Norfolk

  • Phone: 757-625-4248
  • Offers emergency shelter and crisis services.
  • 24-hour Crisis Hotline 757-251-0144
  • Website: ywca-shr.org

National Human Trafficking Task Force Hotline: 1-888-3737-888.  

Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force: 757-430-2120

Blue Campaign to bring an end to Human Trafficking

Prevent Child Abuse America – Coronavirus Resources & Tips for Parents, Children & Others.

Child abuse and neglect are serious problems that can have lasting harmful effects on its victims. For more information on preventing child abuse and neglect check out resources from the CDC, or call The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 for help.

Suggest a Correction