While frequently proclaimed as the most wonderful time of the year, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is often filled with stress and anxiety. Ashlee Zubek, Survivor Support and Victim Advocacy Coordinator at UWM noted, “statistically, we do see an increase of domestic violence over the Holidays.” “Especially now with COVID, we have seen a general increase of domestic violence especially with[in] close quarters,” Zubek said.
Mental health professionals note a significant increase in sadness and depression during the winter months, and although some of this increase may be attributable to seasonal affective disorder, many of these issues are the result of family conflict. Arguments with family members over politics and religion are not the only stressors that people face during this time of year. Many find the idealized version of the holiday at odds with their real family relationships and the demand for gifts out-of-sync with their bank account. Ultimately, family conflict can lead to increased instances of domestic violence and stalking.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women and one in nine men experience severe physical violence, sexual violence, and/or stalking from an intimate partner during their lifetime. In the United States, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner, which equates to more than 10 million women and men annually.
Wisconsin law protects current or former spouses, partners, or co-parents from acts of domestic violence, which are defined as intentionally inflicting, or threatening to inflict, physical pain, injury, illness or sexual assault. Stalking is behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to suffer serious emotional distress or fear bodily injury or death.
Both UWM and Milwaukee County offer a variety of services for victims of domestic violence and stalking. In the Milwaukee area, anyone can file for a restraining order by contacting the Sojourner Family Peace Center or the Milwaukee County Courthouse. At UWM, the confidential survivor support and victim advocate works with students who have experienced or are experiencing violence, which can include domestic violence, dating violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, or stalking. The advocate helps students understand and navigate their options and can provide emotional assistance, as well as legal, academic, and medical support. The advocate can also assist students in locating and connecting to online and community resources. Additionally, the Women’s Resource Center at UWM offers a safe space and a resource for all students to use.
Domestic violence is not only a family matter – it is an issue that can affect the entire community, as the recent Christmas parade event in Waukesha compellingly demonstrates. Darrell Brooks was already on bond for assaulting his partner and running her over with his SUV when he ran into the Christmas parade, killing six people and injuring dozens more. As Carmen Pitre, CEO of Sojourned Family Peace Center, reflected, “there is an inherent connection between community safety and personal safety – the health and the well-being of the community is reliant on the health and well-being of the people who live in that community.” Working together, we can make the Milwaukee area – including UWM – a safer and more supportive community.
Anyone who is uncomfortable with their domestic circumstances should consider reaching out for help by seeking counseling, support, and/or shelter. For those of us in the UWM community who are not facing this issue personally, it is important for us to say something if we see something. The life you save may be that of a friend or classmate.
Domestic Violence Resources:
Sojourner Peace Center
619 W. Walnut Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212
FamilyPeaceCenter.org
1-414-276-1911
Survivor Support and Victim Advocacy Coordinator
2025 E. Newport Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Email: victimadvocacy@umw.edu
414-229-4582
Women’s Resource Center
UWM Student Union W693
2200 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53211
Email: wmncntr@uwm.edu
414-229-2852
National Domestic Violence Hotline
TheHotline.org
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Hello, thank you for this piece. I noticed a typo in the UWM Survivor Support & Victim Advocacy Coordinator email address. The correct address is victimadvocacy@uwm.edu. Thank you.