Holiday Stress and Domestic Violence: Experts Reveal Key Risk Factors – University of Nevada, Reno

Report on Holiday Season Stressors and Intimate Partner Violence in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Aligning with Global Development Objectives

This report examines the correlation between stressors prevalent during the holiday season and the incidence of intimate partner violence (IPV). This issue directly impacts the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). While the holiday season is often associated with positive social connection, it can also amplify underlying risk factors for violence, thereby undermining progress toward these global targets.

Analysis of Contributing Stressors and SDG Implications

Several factors contributing to the exacerbation of domestic violence during this period have been identified. These stressors are significant barriers to creating the safe and stable environments envisioned by the SDGs.

• Financial Strain: Increased expenses for gifts, travel, and social events can intensify tension, particularly in households experiencing economic hardship. This financial pressure runs counter to the objectives of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), as economic instability can compromise household peace and well-being.
• Familial Conflict: Heightened interaction with family can escalate existing conflicts. This directly challenges the aim of SDG 16 to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, which begins within the family unit.
• Increased Alcohol Consumption: Holiday celebrations are often associated with higher alcohol intake, a known risk factor for violent behavior. As a public health concern, this undermines SDG 3. Research indicates that the likelihood of IPV perpetration increases when both partners consume alcohol (Shorey et al., 2025), directly impeding efforts to ensure health and well-being for all.

Systemic Barriers and the Impact on SDG 16

A critical challenge during the holiday season is the limited accessibility of support services and networks for victims. This isolation increases vulnerability and represents a failure in providing access to justice for all, a key target of SDG 16. It is crucial to note that holiday stress does not cause violence but can aggravate existing abusive behaviors, hindering the realization of SDG 5 by perpetuating violence against individuals, predominantly women.

Indicators of Intimate Partner Violence and Community Responsibility

Promoting peaceful societies (SDG 16) and achieving gender equality (SDG 5) requires community-wide awareness and sensitivity to the signs of abuse. Recognizing potential indicators is a critical step in intervention and support. Key signs of domestic violence and IPV include:

1. Unexplained injuries
2. Excessive fearfulness around a partner
3. Verbal abuse
4. Controlling behaviors
5. Isolation and avoidance of social events
6. Threats or acts of violence

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Sustainable Development

The heightened risk of IPV during the holiday season is a significant public health and human rights issue that obstructs progress on multiple SDGs. Addressing the root causes of this violence—including economic instability, substance abuse, and lack of access to support—is essential for advancing SDG 3, SDG 5, and SDG 16. Creating a safe and supportive environment for all individuals during high-stress periods is a fundamental requirement for building the peaceful, just, and healthy world envisioned by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article connects directly to SDG 3 by discussing the health impacts of intimate partner violence (IPV). It mentions physical consequences like “unexplained injuries” and mental health stressors such as “overwhelming stress” and “excessive fearfulness.” Furthermore, it identifies the “harmful use of alcohol” as a significant risk factor for violent behavior, which is a key concern for public health.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  This is a central SDG related to the article’s topic. Intimate partner violence is a primary form of violence against women and a critical barrier to achieving gender equality. The article’s entire focus on domestic violence and IPV directly addresses the goal of eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls in the private sphere (the home).

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article touches upon SDG 16 by highlighting the need for justice and support systems for victims. It mentions the “limited access to supportive services and support networks” during the holiday season, which points to a gap in institutional support. The authors’ work in “domestic violence advocacy and training for professionals” and supporting “trauma-impacted populations” underscores the importance of building strong institutions and providing access to justice for victims of violence.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. The article’s discussion of “overwhelming stress” and “excessive fearfulness” as consequences of IPV directly relates to the promotion of mental health and well-being.
  • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol. The article explicitly identifies “increased alcohol consumption” as a risk factor that can lead to “impaired judgment, reduced impulse control and lower inhibitions,” thereby increasing the potential for IPV perpetration.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres. The article’s core subject is intimate partner violence and domestic violence, which are forms of violence occurring in the private sphere that disproportionately affect women.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The article focuses on reducing IPV, a specific form of violence, by raising awareness of its triggers and signs.
  • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. The mention of “limited access to supportive services and support networks” implies a need to improve access to justice and support for victims. The work of the authors in advocacy and training through the “Hope for Family Resilience program” is an example of an initiative that strengthens these support systems.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Incidence of Intimate Partner Violence

  The article implies this indicator by stating that overwhelming stress “could result in an increase of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration.” Measuring the number of reported IPV cases, especially during periods like the holidays, would be a direct way to track progress towards Targets 5.2 and 16.1.

• Observable Signs of Abuse

  The article lists several qualitative indicators that can be used for identification and awareness, which is a precursor to measurement. These include “unexplained injuries, excessive fearfulness around a partner, verbal abuse, controlling behaviors, isolation and avoidance of social events, and threats or acts of violence.” These signs can be used in surveys or by support professionals to identify and quantify instances of abuse.

• Rates of Harmful Alcohol Consumption

  The article links “increased alcohol consumption” directly to a higher risk of IPV. Therefore, tracking data on alcohol consumption, particularly in contexts where it is linked to domestic disputes or violence, serves as an indicator for Target 3.5.

• Availability of Support Services

  The article highlights the problem of “limited access to supportive services and support networks.” An indicator for Target 16.3 would be the number, capacity, and accessibility of services like domestic violence hotlines, shelters, and advocacy programs (such as the “Hope for Family Resilience program” mentioned). Measuring their operational hours and reach, especially during holidays, would quantify progress.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: unr.edu