Christmas Holidays and Sexual Assault Awareness during the Festive Season

Protecting, Supporting, and Empowering

The Christmas holidays are often described as “the most wonderful time of the year.” Lights sparkle across streets; music fills the air, and gatherings bring people together to celebrate love, gratitude, and connection. For many, it’s a season of joy. But beneath the glitter and goodwill, this time of year can also carry a darker reality—especially for survivors of sexual assault, and for those vulnerable to harm. 

Amid the cheer and festivities, it’s crucial to remember that sexual assault and harassment do not take a holiday. In fact, certain dynamics around Christmas can increase the risks and emotional strain related to sexual violence. Raising awareness, fostering safer spaces, and extending compassion can make all the difference—for survivors, allies, and communities alike. 

A Festive Season of Celebration—And Hidden Risks 

The holiday season often comes with an increase in social gatherings: office parties, family reunions, and nights out. While these are meant to be joyful, the mix of alcohol, travel, and late-night events can sometimes create conditions where boundaries are blurred or ignored. 

Research and advocacy organizations have long noted that incidents of sexual assault and domestic violence can rise during major holidays. Contributing factors include: 

• Increased alcohol consumption: Alcohol lowers inhibitions and can impair judgment. While alcohol itself never causes sexual assault, perpetrators may exploit intoxication to take advantage of others. 

• Power imbalances: In workplace settings, hierarchies or professional pressures can make it difficult for individuals to speak out against harassment or inappropriate behavior. 

• Family dynamics: For some, returning home means re-entering spaces where past abuse occurred or where certain relatives pose ongoing risks. 

• Isolation and travel: People may be away from their usual support networks, making it harder to seek help or leave uncomfortable situations. 

Understanding these patterns helps us see that prevention isn’t about limiting joy—it’s about ensuring everyone can celebrate safely and with dignity. 

Consent and Respect: The Foundation of Every Festive Season Celebration 

During festive events, messages like “holiday romance” or “mistletoe moments” can sometimes trivialize consent. But consent is never seasonal—it is constant, clear, and non-negotiable. 

Consent means: 

• An enthusiastic, voluntary “yes.” 

• It must be given without pressure, manipulation, or fear. 

• It can be withdrawn at any time. 

• Intoxicated or unconscious individuals cannot give consent. 

The Christmas season should never be an excuse to cross boundaries. It’s important to foster a culture where friends, colleagues, and family members understand and respect these principles. Discussing consent openly—especially with younger people or in social groups—helps prevent harm and normalize healthy communication. 

If you see someone in a potentially unsafe situation at a party or gathering, you can act as an active bystander: 

• Distract by changing the subject or inviting the person away. 

• Directly ask if the person feels okay or needs help. 

• Delegate—get assistance from a trusted host, security, or another friend. 

Small, safe interventions can prevent violence and send a clear message that disrespect, and coercion are never acceptable. 

The Holidays and Festive Season Can Be Triggering for Survivors 

For many survivors of sexual assault, the holidays bring mixed emotions. The emphasis on togetherness and “joy” can be isolating for those carrying trauma. Family gatherings or traditions may resurface painful memories. Others may feel pressured to hide their struggles to avoid “ruining the mood.” 

If you are a survivor, it’s important to give yourself permission to set boundaries and care for your emotional well-being. You do not owe anyone an explanation for needing space, quiet, or time alone. 

Here are a few coping strategies that can help: 

• Plan ahead: Identify events or situations that may be triggering and decide in advance how you’ll handle them. 

• Set boundaries: It’s okay to say “no” to gatherings, conversations, or people that make you uncomfortable. 

• Create safety anchors: Bring a trusted friend, have a code word for support, or plan an exit strategy from events. 

• Practice grounding techniques: Deep breathing, journaling, or stepping outside for a few minutes can help ease anxiety. 

• Seek connection: Reach out to supportive friends, online survivor groups, or hotlines. You are not alone, even if it feels that way. 

Remember: it is not your responsibility to manage other people’s feelings at the expense of your own peace. Healing is not linear, and self-compassion is a powerful form of resilience. 

Supporting Survivors: What Allies Can Do 

If someone discloses sexual assault to you, your response can have a lasting impact. How you react can either deepen their pain or help them begin to heal. 

Here are ways to offer meaningful support: 

• Listen without judgment. Avoid questions that imply blame (“Why were you there?” or “Were you drinking?”). 

• Believe them. Doubt can be devastating. Simple words like “I believe you” can mean everything. 

• Validate their feelings. There’s no right or wrong way to react to trauma. 

• Offer options, not pressure. Let them decide what next steps to take—whether to report, seek counseling, or rest. 

• Check in later. Healing takes time, and continued support shows care. 

If you are hosting a holiday event during this festive season, consider practical steps to make your space safer and more inclusive: 

• Provide non-alcoholic drink options. 

• Ensure guests have safe ways to get home. 

• Have clear codes of conduct for workplace or community gatherings. 

• Partner with local organizations to provide education and resources on consent and bystander intervention. 

Community, Compassion, and Change During the Festive Season 

Ending sexual violence requires cultural change—and cultural change starts with awareness, empathy, and accountability. The holidays are a powerful time to reflect on how we treat one another and the environments we create. 

By weaving messages of consent, respect, and care into our celebrations, we help reshape the narrative: Christmas can be a time not only of generosity and joy, but also of safety, solidarity, and healing. 

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out. You are not alone. 

Resources and Hotlines 

• Sexual Assault Victim’s Advocacy Center - (706) 419-8775 

• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) – 24/7 confidential hotline: 1-800-656-4673 

Final Thoughts 

As the year draws to a close, may we remember that true holiday spirit comes not only from gifts or decorations, but from compassion, respect, and care for one another. By standing with survivors and challenging harmful behaviors, we create a season—and a world—where everyone can feel safe, valued, and free.