Navigating the Holidays: Understanding Stress, Control, and Domestic Abuse
For many families, the holiday season is a time filled with warmth, celebration, and togetherness. But for others, this time of year brings heightened stress, fear, and uncertainty. At CNADA, we want our community to know: you are not alone, and what you’re feeling matters.
When the Holidays Don’t Feel Safe
Between financial pressures, packed schedules, and complex family dynamics, this season can intensify emotions within a household. While domestic violence often brings to mind physical harm, abuse doesn’t always leave visible marks. It can take the form of intimidation, threats, and control—all of which are equally harmful and dangerous.
Abuse Isn’t Always Physical
Abusers often use fear to maintain power. Some signs of non-physical domestic abuse include:
Using threats of violence to control decisions
Monitoring or restricting where a partner goes, who they talk to, or what they do
Destroying belongings to cause fear or assert control
Intimidating with aggressive gestures, yelling, or punching walls
Belittling, name-calling, or constant humiliation
Gaslighting—making someone doubt their own feelings or reality
These behaviors are designed to break down confidence and independence. They are abuse. And they escalate, especially in times of increased stress.
Financial Control During the Holidays
Money is one of the biggest stressors during the holiday season, and abusers often exploit that pressure. Financial abuse may look like:
Withholding access to money or bank accounts
Forcing a partner to account for every dollar spent
Preventing them from working or earning income
Overspending on gifts or hobbies while limiting the household’s needs
Using holiday expenses as a way to criticize, shame, or control
When finances tighten, tensions rise—and survivors often carry the weight of walking on eggshells, trying to keep the peace.
You Deserve Safety and Support
No matter the season, love should never hurt. Threats, fear, and control are not a normal part of relationships. If you or someone you care about is experiencing domestic abuse—physical or not—CNADA is here to help.
We provide:
24/7 support and crisis response
Safety planning for individuals and families
Emergency shelter and confidential advocacy
Resources for financial and emotional independence
This holiday season, let’s come together to support those who are struggling behind closed doors. Check in on friends. Offer a listening ear. And if you need help, reach out.
Your power. Our purpose.
You are strong. You are worthy. You deserve a holiday filled with peace.
📞 If you need support, call our 24-hour line: 406-951-0475
📍 Serving Carter, Custer, Fallon, Garfield, Powder River, Rosebud, and Treasure Counties
A Personal Message From CNADA
To every survivor:
We are here for you — no matter what.
Even if you are outside the counties we directly serve, we will do everything we can to connect you with the help, support, and resources you deserve. Your safety and well-being always come first.
You don’t have to face this alone. We believe you. We support you.
And we will stand beside you every step of the way.