Christmas Isn’t Safe for Everyone

Domestic Abuse Support and Community Safety in Newport, Wales
 
 
At The Open Table & Pantry in Newport, we see every side of the festive season — the joy, the generosity, and the reality that, for many people, Christmas is not a time of comfort or safety.

While much of the country celebrates, some individuals and families experience increased fear, control, and harm behind closed doors.

 
When Christmas increases risk
During the festive period, incidents of domestic abuse sadly rise.

More time spent at home, financial pressure, heightened stress, and alcohol can all increase risk. For some people, home does not feel safe — and Christmas can intensify that fear.

Across Newport and Wales, many survivors describe the same reality:

Feeling trapped
Having fewer safe places to go
Being harder to see or hear
Domestic abuse is not seasonal — but Christmas can make it harder to escape, harder to cope, and harder to be believed.

 
Community action makes a difference
This week, we were reminded of the quiet power of community.

A local resident generously donated:

Clothing
Food parcels
Toiletries
Toys
£20 in cash
Their kindness directly supported families facing incredibly difficult circumstances.

Acts like this matter.

They offer dignity, relief, and a moment of breathing space when life feels overwhelming.

We are deeply grateful.

 
Support is available — 24/7
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, you are not alone. Support is available across Newport, Wales (UK), throughout Christmas and beyond.

Confidential support services (Wales & UK):
Live Fear Free (Wales) – 0808 80 10 800 (24/7)
National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 (24/7)
Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327
ManKind Initiative – 01823 334 244
LGBT+ Helpline – 0800 999 5428
Childline – 0800 1111
🚨 If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

Home should be a place of safety — not fear.

If you need support, please reach out.
If you know someone who might be struggling, sharing this information could make a difference at the moment they need it most.

 
Why this matters beyond Christmas
Across the UK, stories emerge every year of:

Families fleeing violence
Children spending Christmas in temporary accommodation
Communities stepping in with essentials, warmth, and care
From small towns to major cities, the truth is the same:

Domestic abuse exists year-round — but community action saves lives.

When systems are stretched, local support fills the gaps.
It offers safety where fear exists.
It reminds people that they matter.

 
Standing with survivors
At Newport Support Network CIC and Newport Multibank, we believe in practical compassion — food, clothing, toiletries, toys, and a listening ear.

But we also believe in awareness.

Silence protects perpetrators.
Information protects survivors.

If sharing this message helps even one person feel less alone, it is worth it.

Thank you to everyone who donates, volunteers, partners with us, or simply chooses to care.
Your kindness reaches further than you realise.