Domestic violence goes up near holidays

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Holidays are supposed to be a time for good food, good family, and good times. To many law enforcement agencies, it's known for something else.

Holiday months generally have the highest rates of domestic violence calls.

Terre Haute Police Chief John Plasse notices the increase right around the holidays.

“It could be depression. Holidays you think of happy times, maybe, things good in their lives. That could be part of that as well. But that’s typically when we see a rise in domestic issues,” said Chief Plasse.

Director of Residential Services at Council on Domestic Violence (CODA) Yvonne Creekbaum said summer months are busy as well, keeping local shelters and case workers busy year-round.

The CODA shelter holds 13 people.

This year, their shelter is bursting with almost 50.

Creekbaum said it’s the highest single year increase she’s seen.     

More than 3,000 cases were likely sent to the prosecutor this year.    

Chief Plasse believes the instances of domestic violence in Terre Haute are much higher than projected, as many as 25 to 50 percent of cases never being reported.

“And we see a lot of repeat victims, unfortunately, that keep, for whatever reason, they don’t want to turn in the person, or is afraid to lose that security. It’s hard to explain. They feel secure with that person when they abuse them. But we see that a lot. It’s a vicious cycle, unfortunately,” said Chief Plasse.

This cycle can only be fixed with help from the local community.

If you or someone you know is in a violent relationship, contact CODA at their hotline if you’re in Terre Haute at 812-232-1736.

If you are outside of Terre Haute, call 1-800-566-CODA.

For more information about CODA, head to their website .