December dangerous for domestic violence victims

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The holidays can be a dangerous time of year for victims of domestic violence.

According to a recent report from the North Carolina Dept. of Public Safety, December was the deadliest month for domestic violence from 2010-2015.

Experts say financial and emotional stress and increased alcohol consumption can lead to more violence, but, statistically, fewer victims come forward.

"Domestic violence doesn't really take a holiday. 1 in 3 women will be affected at some point in their life. It happens 365 days a year all day, every day. Our numbers don't necessarily show that we see more during the holiday time, but we know it's happening," said Christina Brewer, Development and Communication Officer at InterAct of Wake County.

Brewer said families often try to stay together around the holidays and work out their differences.

Domestic violence agencies across the country have reported a spike in domestic violence around New Year's Eve and New Year's Day and right after the holidays.

"Anytime really is a dangerous time for someone in a domestic violence relationship," said Brewer. "A victim is actually 75 times more likely to get hurt or killed when they are in the process of leaving."

61 domestic violence related homicides have been reported statewide so far in 2016, including nine in Wake County.

Cary mother and WCPSS kindergarten teacher Michele Williams, 51, is the latest victim. Williams was shot and killed Friday by her estranged husband.

If you are a victim in need of help:

InterAct of Wake County

24-Hour Crisis Line

Domestic Violence

(919) 828-7740

(866) 291-0855 (toll-free)

Durham Crisis Response Center

24-Hour Crisis Line

(919) 403-6562 (English)

(919) 519-3735 (Español)

Email the Crisis Line: crisisline@durhamcrisisresponse.org