Domestic violence trends after the holidays: planning a safe separation

A Specialist’s Take.

KEY INSIGHTS:

• Domestic and family violence incidents consistently increase during and after holiday periods, making January and early Q1 a particularly high-risk time.
• Separation planning should always prioritise safety, with early legal advice helping to reduce risk rather than escalate it.
• Gathering key documents and understanding your legal options early can make an already difficult process more manageable.
• You don’t need to have everything figured out; confidential advice can help you understand your options and plan your next steps safely.

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Every year, the weeks following the holiday period bring a noticeable increase in domestic and family violence enquiries. For many people, the holidays don’t provide rest or connection; they amplify stress, financial pressure, alcohol use, and forced proximity.

Australian research and frontline service data consistently show that domestic violence incidents increase during and immediately after major holiday periods, particularly around Christmas, New Year, and school holidays. January and early Q1 are among the busiest times for police, crisis services, and us Family Lawyers.

By the time the holidays end, many people reach the same realisation: something has to change.

If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 confidential support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

WHY DOES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCREASE AFTER HOLIDAYS?

This post-holiday spike is well-documented across Australia. Frontline services regularly report 20–30% increases in demand during and after major holiday periods.

Common contributing factors include:

• prolonged time spent together in strained relationships
• increased alcohol consumption
• financial pressure following the holidays
• disruption to routines and support networks
• delayed separation decisions made “for the sake of the kids” or family events

For people already experiencing control, fear, or emotional harm, this period can be especially dangerous.

 

PLANNING A SEPARATION SAFELY:

When someone comes to see me after the holidays, safety is always my starting point.

I usually begin by asking simple but important questions:

• Do you feel safe right now?

• Has behaviour escalated recently?

• Are children involved?

• Where are you currently living?

From there, we focus on planning rather than reacting. Separation doesn’t have to happen all at once, and it doesn’t have to happen without support

 

WHAT TO PREPARE BEFORE SEPARATING (WHERE IT’S SAFE TO DO SO)

Careful preparation can reduce risk and stress. Where appropriate, I often suggest gathering:

• identification documents (passports, birth certificates, Medicare cards)
• bank statements, tax returns, superannuation and loan documents
• records of assets and liabilities
• any evidence of threatening, abusive, or controlling behaviour

Having these documents ready can make a significant difference if urgent court action becomes necessary.

 

LEGAL PROTECTIONS AND NEXT STEPS

Many people worry that speaking to a lawyer will escalate the situation. In reality, early legal advice often helps prevent escalation by providing structure and clarity.

Depending on your circumstances, we may discuss:

• Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs)
• urgent parenting arrangements
• exclusive occupation of the home
• interim financial protections

I always take the time to explain what each option means in plain English, so clients feel informed, not pressured.

 

SUPPORT THAT GOES BEYOND LEGAL ADVICE

Separation following domestic violence is not just a legal process. It’s emotional, exhausting, and often frightening.

At Coutts, my role is to provide calm, measured advice and clear next steps, while keeping safety at the centre of every decision. You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Often, the first conversation is simply about understanding your options and knowing you’re not alone.

 

THE TAKE AWAY

If the holidays have highlighted that your relationship is no longer safe, you don’t have to wait for things to get worse before seeking advice.

➡️Early planning reduces risk.
➡️Clear advice reduces fear.
➡️And support makes all the difference.

 

You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Click HERE to book a confidential appointment with my Family Law Team and receive clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances.

 

Sources & Further Reading

This article is informed by current Australian research and frontline reporting, including:

• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) – family and domestic violence data
• 1800RESPECT – demand trends during holiday periods
• NSW Police Force – domestic violence incident reporting
• Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) – household stress and alcohol use data
• Domestic Violence NSW – sector reporting on post-holiday demand spikes
• Law Society of NSW – guidance on family violence and separation processes