Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys | December 10, 2025 | Domestic Violence
The Christmas season is supposed to be joyful, but for many families, it can also be a time of increased tension. Every year, police departments throughout New Mexico report an uptick in calls related to domestic disputes around the holidays.
If you were arrested or accused of domestic violence during the holiday season, you are not alone. Keep reading below to learn about domestic violence and why it is so prevalent around the holidays.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is considered domestic abuse in New Mexico. It involves harm, threats, or unlawful physical contact between people who share a close relationship.
This can include:
- Spouses or former spouses
- Romantic partners
- Parents and children
- Other household or family members
These charges can arise from allegations of physical harm, threats/intimidation, and violations of protective orders, among other things.
Why Is There an Increase in DV Incidents Around the Holidays?
Domestic violence is a year-round problem, but certain stressors associated with the Christmas season can make conflicts more likely.
Increased Financial Strain
The holidays often mean extra spending on gifts, travel, food, and decorations. For families living on tight budgets, these expenses can feel overwhelming.
Financial pressure can also lead to arguments and outbursts of anger. When people are already anxious about money, even minor disagreements can escalate more quickly and become violent.
More Time Indoors Due to Colder Weather
Winters in New Mexico can be cold and snowy, especially in higher elevations. Families spend more time indoors, and normal outlets for stress (outdoor recreation, socializing, or time apart) may be limited.
Crowded spaces and cabin fever can increase frustrations between family members. When emotions are running high, conflicts can turn into heated confrontations.
Children Are Home From School
During winter break, children are home for weeks at a time. Parents may struggle to balance childcare, holiday planning, and work responsibilities.
Exhausted parents may become irritable, and disagreements can arise over parenting, discipline, and other issues. Importantly, children are never to blame for domestic violence. However, the additional pressure of caring for them full-time can increase tension inside the household.
Other Factors
Several other factors can contribute to conflict during the holidays:
- Alcohol and substance use during holiday parties
- Unresolved family issues resurfacing at gatherings
- Travel fatigue and disrupted routines
- Seasonal depression or feelings of loneliness
- High expectations for a perfect holiday
These emotional triggers can cause disagreements to escalate rapidly. Even people with no prior history of violence may find themselves in domestic violence situations.
How a Domestic Violence Lawyer Can Help if You’ve Been Charged with Domestic Violence
After a domestic violence call, officers often arrive during peak conflict. If they have probable cause that a crime occurred, someone may be arrested to prevent further harm—sometimes before the full story is clear.
A domestic violence accusation is serious and can lead to the following penalties:
- Jail time
- Protective orders that prevent contact with family
- Possible firearm restrictions
- Mandatory counseling
- Damage to your employment, reputation, and future
You do not have to face these consequences alone. An experienced lawyer can help you protect your rights and ensure that your side of the story is heard.
Your attorney will investigate the facts of the incident and develop a defense that challenges the prosecution’s version of events. Your legal team will help you preserve your family rights and protect you from the worst consequences of the charges.
Contact Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys for a Free Consultation With an Albuquerque Domestic Violence Lawyer
If you were charged with domestic violence during the Christmas season, you should act quickly. Contact Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an Albuquerque domestic violence lawyer in Albuquerque, NM.
Contact an experienced domestic violence attorney.
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