Summer Surges in Domestic Violence

Author: Rebecca Bywaters

As summer is in full throttle, many individuals face dangers that go far beyond the blistering heat. These dangers are not obvious but instead are often hidden behind closed doors. For those experiencing domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, studies have shown that the rates of these forms of abuse experience a 12% spike during the summer months. But why is this? Summer is typically considered the season for fun, relaxation, and de-stressing. The irony of elevated levels of abuse during such a time is worth considering, and taking a closer look at why this happens unveils the nature of abuse that is often unpredictable. 

From the rise in temperature to the changes in routine as schools are out, there are many contributing factors to summer surges in domestic abuse and intimate partner violence. It is important to note, however, that while there may be explanations for these summer surges, those explanations are never an excuse. 

Here are some of the primary contributing factors:  

Heat  

The psychological effects of heat and consequential behavioral shifts cannot be underestimated. Scientific studies have shown that the physical strain on the body and brain from heat can cause significant cognitive impairment, including emotional regulation, impulse control, and serotonin production. It can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions, provoke elevated levels of anxiety and stress, and cause issues with sleep.

When temperatures rise, the heat triggers hormone production in the human body like cortisol (the stress-hormone) and adrenaline. These hormones, when produced in excess or for extended periods of time, place considerable stress on the body that undermines the day-to-day functioning mechanisms that help regulate mood and behavior.

Sleep impairment alone as a product of this can bring with it a myriad of other concerns, including but not limited to, impaired memory, slow reaction times, heightened emotional responses, mood swings, and poor decision-making.  

When paired with interpersonal interaction and communication, these products of heat result in impatience with others, increased risk for confrontation and interpersonal conflict, increased risk for normal conflict to turn violent, and even unprovoked aggressive outbursts against others.

Let it be clear: The effects of summer heat are felt by everyone, but only some choose to abuse others.  

Increased Alcohol Consumption 

During the summer months, there are several holidays that are popularly celebrated with alcohol, as the season is known for its social gatherings like cookouts, barbecues, brunches, vacations, and dinner parties (all of which can, and often, involve alcohol).

Alcohol is a substance known to produce many of the heat-induced effects listed above, but to a much greater extent. Alcohol effectively lowers activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is the area of the brain that is responsible for decision-making and rational thinking. When alcohol takes its effect on the brain, it significantly diminishes one’s capacity for impulse control and reasoning, which combined can result in a person becoming easily triggered and provoke them to interpret their surrounding circumstances/interactions improperly, even in a more threatening light.

As a result, individuals under the influence of alcohol can become agitated and more prone to making aggressive and/or impulsive actions in a given situation rather than reasoning through it. Thus, in interpersonal conflict or interactions, those under the influence of alcohol may behave in ways that break the pattern of their normal behavior in more violent or intense ways. This could be lashing out in ways that are contrary to their usual personality or in addition to pre-existing abuse. In a world where underage drinking is prevalent, this also affects teen relationships and thus contributes to teen relationship violence.  

Shifts in Parental Responsibilities 

 It is no secret that children are a huge responsibility. During the school year, children are out of the house for a large part of the day, coming home in the evening and often then following a structured routine of homework and chores. This can, in turn, help parents to have their own structured routines and breaks. When summer comes and schools get out, however, this structure can go away, leaving parents to carry more of the weight of their children’s daily routine, activities, and supervision.

This shift adds stress to parents/guardians and can spark conflict or tension between them that would not typically exist in the school year. For those experiencing domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, an increase in conflict in general can consequently result in an increase in instances where conflict turns violent. This can also affect teens in relationships, as being outside of school provides more opportunities for time spent with romantic partners. 

Financial Strain  

Financial stress is a common and well-known contributor to domestic abuse and intimate partner violence. When the costs of air conditioning rise, social gatherings are thrown, summer activities are scheduled, and vacations are taken, financial stress during the summer months can be heightened.

This, in turn, can contribute to rising rates of domestic violence and intimate partner violence as well. Financial stress can result in blame, resentment, or even hostility toward one’s spouse or romantic partner, which can all provide the foundation for conflict that can lead to abuse.  

At the End of the Day… 

The effects of heat, alcohol consumption, child-related stress, and financial strain during the summer months all may seem unfortunate or even a bother to many. The reality behind closed doors for some is that all these effects can (and do) go far beyond being unfortunate, as they contribute to elevated rates of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence.

These summer contributors also show how no one can truly predict abusive behavior. Many of the psychological factors behind a rise in domestic abuse and violence that were highlighted were due to impaired impulse control and decision-making capabilities. This reveals that, while such contributors do not guarantee a violent incident, they severely increase the risk and thus the expectant fear of those experiencing such behavior.

When abuse rates rise as impulse control and rationality dip, one must recognize that those experiencing domestic and intimate partner violence are living according to an invisible and unpredictable rule book that abusers alone operate on. This can be extremely overwhelming and confusing to those experiencing it, which is why it is vital for others to be aware of ways the summer months could be influencing the lives of those around them in hidden ways.

The unpredictability of abuse could cause some to feel as though they cannot confidently plan a way out of their situation. With community support and resources, however, this is not the case. Resources like emergency shelters and 24/7 hotlines are designed to be immediate aid for those who cannot trust that a plan would remain an option in the future, or who do not have the additional resources needed to make a plan to begin with.

New Directions Center is acutely aware of the realities of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence, which is why we work so hard to be able to provide resources like emergency shelter, a 24/7 hotline, court advocacy, counseling, and housing support. We encourage those who are experiencing domestic abuse or intimate partner violence to reach out to us, another community resource, or even a trusted friend or family member to share what they may be going through and receive help.  

At the end of the day, abusers and survivors live in the same world, experience the same temperatures, and often share the same home and life together. Despite this, they are distinguished by the separate and independent choices they each make within such conditions. Stress, heat, or alcohol will never excuse abuse or violent behavior. They are important, however, to understand as they relate to rising rates of domestic/intimate partner violence. Recognizing the triggers of abuse can often help one recognize its signs. As the summer continues, we encourage our readers to look into community resources in your area, either for personal utilization, to learn more about domestic abuse and intimate partner violence, or even to get involved in helping with those community resources.   

New Directions Center 24/7 hotline: (540) 886-6800