LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Though the holiday season can be a joyous time spent with loved ones, for some, it's isolating and difficult to bear.
Louisville Metro Police officer Amber Ross, a survivor of domestic violence herself, said the holidays give perpetrators greater access to their partners.
While together, she says abusers will separate you from others, exert their control and continue the vicious cycle of blame.
"You just feel like you have to walk on egg shells, and you can't do anything right to please them. And here they are upset, yelling, and going off at the little smallest things," Ross said. "Then boom, here you go! You have an argument that can just ease to the physical abuse and then the trauma just weighs in on you even more."
Ross said sometimes police are called to assist in these situations, but sometimes there isn't a call.
If domestic violence is reported, LMPD will connect victims to shelters like the Center for Women and Families. There, employees say they see an increase in cases during this time of year.
Communications Director Tammy Taylor encourages public to help by looking out for domestic violence warning signs.
"Does the survivor or the person being subjected to the abuse appear to be frightened by their partner? Do they have bruises? Or do they make excuses for bruises?" Taylor said.
Ross said victims may wear heavier makeup to cover up bruises as well.
"If you call them, are they answering? Are they not calling you back?" she added. "Go to their house. Knock on their door. Make them answer. Call the police. Do a welfare check."
Or urge them to call the center's 24 hour crisis hot line at (844)-237-2331.
As a survivor, Ross said she understands how hard it is to accept help, but she assures there's light outside of this dark situation.
"And it is beautiful and it is bright. You deserve so much better and you are worthy of so much more in life," she said.
For more information and services, click here or contact the Center for Women and Families at (812) 944-6743.
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