Pepperells Solicitors is urging people to be aware of the annual rise in domestic abuse incidents over the Christmas period, as the firm reports a concerning and significant increase in casework each year.
The festive period is widely recognised by support agencies and legal specialists as a time when domestic abuse can escalate. According to Pepperells, the pattern is clear and consistent, with their solicitors’ caseloads consistently rising by up to 15% in the weeks leading up to Christmas and the new year.
Nichola Skayman, Head of Domestic Abuse and Private Law Children Team at Pepperells, said the rise is influenced by a combination of seasonal pressures that put strain on individuals and families.
Nichola said: “Our data show that domestic abuse can rise to 15% during the festive period. Several factors contribute to this increase, including alcohol consumption at Christmas parties and social events, financial pressures and dynamics within families and the home at this time of the year”.
She added that reduced visibility of vulnerable children also plays a role.
“Children not being seen in school over the holidays means that safeguarding is reduced. If children are being exposed to domestic abuse within the home, it can be an incredibly distressing and frightening time for them”.
National statistics report that 3.8 million people in the year ending March 2025 reported experiencing domestic abuse – with 2.2 million of them being women, and the remaining 1.5 million being men.
Nichola said it is also accepted that men often do not report abuse, making the true scale significantly higher.
“On the run up to and after Christmas, my team and I are extremely busy dealing with cases of this nature. Not all cases require emergency intervention, such as a non-molestation or occupation order, but many involve protective orders concerning children.” she said.
Pepperells works closely with clients to assess risk and put legal protections in place where needed. The firm also emphasises the importance of early advice and speaking to a specialist at the earliest possible stage.
David Kemshall, Executive Director and family law specialist at Pepperells, urged anyone concerned about their own or a loved one’s situation to seek help and advice as soon as possible.
David said: “Christmas should be a time of celebration, but for many families it becomes a period of heightened tension and sadly, sometimes, danger.
“Our role is to ensure that anyone experiencing abuse has access to clear advice and immediate protection. No one should feel like they must face this alone.”
He added that more community awareness is critical.
“The more people that understand the signs of domestic abuse and the pressures that can intensify it, the better equipped we are as a society to support those at risk.”
Pepperells continues to invest in specialist domestic abuse services across their offices and encourages anyone in need of support to contact solicitors, authorities or other care professionals as early as possible.
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