Despite the cheer that is usually associated with the winter season, domestic abuse clearly does not take a holiday.

"National Domestic Violence Hotlines data for years 2004 through 2010 indicates that the number of hotline calls drops dramatically during the holidays," Paula M. Triano, executive director of the Domestic Violence Service Center, said. "Call volume drops by approximately half on Thanksgiving Day and decreases by an average of 53 percent on Christmas Day and 30 percent on New Year's Day."While some could perceive this as evidence that domestic violence drops during the holidays, that is clearly not the case. The problem seems to be rooted in the lack of available information - and what little there is, happens to be less than easily quantifiable."To date, there is no comprehensive national study linking the holidays with an increase in domestic violence," Triano said. "Most of the available information continues to be anecdotal or opinion pieces reflecting experiences of advocates at shelter programs or law enforcement agencies in individual communities.Local police forces see neither an increase nor a decrease in reports over the season."I don't think it's that much of a rise in calls," Lehighton Police Chief Brian Biechy said of domestic violence complaints around the holidays. "We do get a few more domestics, but not much more. It tends to stay pretty consistent throughout the year."Whether this means that incidents throughout the region remain average around this time of year remains uncertain.The truth is, domestic violence crimes are difficult to track - there are no guaranteed peaks or drops, and even if calls increase or decrease, the frequency may not be indicative of how many incidents are actually happening."Domestic Violence Service Center does not see consistent patterns during the holidays, or anytime throughout the year," Triano said. "Extremely busy periods of hotline calls, services, and sheltering occur at different times throughout the year and at different times each year."Shelters like Family Promise in Lehighton, which can serve as safe havens for victims - especially those who may be dependent upon an abuser for housing or other needs - fall into a similar pattern."In the winter months, we notice an increase in the amount of people we receive calls that need shelter," director Natalie Bojko said. "I don't seem to have an increase in the number of calls specifically for domestic violence, but throughout the year we do receive calls of people in need of shelter because of domestic violence."An article on domesticshelters.org, a website dedicated to providing information and resources to those experiencing domestic violence, suggests that stress and drinking could play a part in cases, but that it is no excuse for the behavior."The abuse and violence experienced may be exacerbated - although not caused - by the financial stress and alcohol consumption that often accompanies the holidays," Triano said in agreement.Both sources also state that the nature of the holidays, along with the presence of families, could play a part in the call decreases that centers experience. Some victims may not want to disturb the supposed tranquillity of a get-together with friends and family, and they may see reporting abuse to a center or police department as a social taboo."Victims and survivors may experience additional stress and unique challenges over the holidays season," Triano said. "Advocates at DVSC are available for support, safety planning, and options counseling, and if needed, for shelter and advocacy/assistance with other service provides, such as law enforcement, health care, and the courts."If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, advocates are available through the following local and national hotlines, 24 hours a day, seven days a week - even during the holidays: 570-823-7312 or 800-424-5600.