Domestic violence spikes during the holidays, help is available

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) — Across the country, reports and incidents of domestic violence spike during the holidays, but one organization in northern Michigan wants to let you know there is help.

The Women’s Resource Center in Traverse City says it gets up to 5,000 calls a year.

The organization says abuse can take many forms, not just physical.

Executive Director Juliette Schultz has a message for victims, abuse is never your fault.

“There’s no excuse, and frankly, it’s a behavioral choice. Maybe tensions rise during the holidays. Financial pressure is greater. People drink more, but the reality is none of those things create someone’s behavior. They make a choice ,” said Juliette Schultz, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center

If you are a victim of any form of domestic abuse, there is help available.

If you need to use the National Domestic Violence Helpline, their services are 24/7 and completely confidential and free.

The phone number for the hotline is 1-800-799-7233.