It was supposed to be the feast of families, of peace, of serenity. Christmas for many women, on the other hand, was a nightmare. The telephone of the "Donna Eleonora" Anti-Violence Center in Oristano rang continuously during the holidays . Much more than in a normal period.
It is the latest worrying data of 2022 which closes with higher numbers than last year. It is the forced coexistence that has increased the cases .
"During the holidays the episodes increase and, as schools are closed, in addition to putting women at risk, I also put minors at risk - explains Francesca Marras, head of the Center -. Many women are told 'You paid too much attention to your relatives'. Or 'You wore a dress that was too low-cut' or 'You didn't prepare dinner well' and again 'You neglected me during lunch' ».
According to the expert , forced coexistence in violent relationships can trigger the partner's anger, amplifying all situations of anger . "There are many women - says Marras - who since the month of November tell us they fear the arrival of the Christmas holidays". The total of new contacts between phone calls and emails made in 2022 is 248. The total of women taken in charge in 2021 and who were followed up again this year is 84. While the total of new ones taken in charge in 2022 is 117. There are 19 people hosted in the Refuge.
Marras also launches an appeal to those women who have not yet had the courage to ask for help: « For the new year, give yourself an important gift: choose to be free . If you don't know how to reach the anti-violence center closest to you, call 1522 or contact the police".