Shelter urges domestic violence victims to give themselves the gift of peace

Gloria Vázquez, executive director of Casa de la Bondad, a shelter for victims of domestic violence

By THE STAR STAFF

Christmas, when episodes of domestic violence tend to increase due to alcohol consumption and tensions between partners, can be a time for women who suffer abuse to give themselves and their children the gift of peace by making the momentous decision to protect their lives in a shelter for survivors of violence, said Gloria Vázquez, executive director of Casa de la Bondad.

Vázquez made the Christmas season appeal after two femicides were reported in recent days: Milagros de Jesús Rivera, killed by her husband in Utuado, and Claribel Ramos Correa, shot to death by her ex-partner in Juncos. The perpetrators took their own lives in both cases. There have already been 19 femicides in Puerto Rico this year, according to statistics from the Gender Equity Observatory.

“Christmas is a time we culturally associate with family. However, for many women, their daughters, and sons, this season can become a dangerous time,” Vázquez said. “During the holiday season, multiple factors contribute to an increase in domestic violence, such as financial pressure, emotional stress, alcohol consumption, and increased time spent together. All of these factors intensify the tension that already exists within a relationship.”

Casa de la Bondad has been supporting survivors of domestic violence for 32 years.

Vázquez added that due to social pressure during this festive season, many victims don’t leave abusive situations, thinking they must endure it a little longer until the holidays are over. She noted that there’s an expectation that everything will be alright during Christmas and that the family must stay together for the children’s well-being. This is compounded by the fear of guilt and judgment, as many victims fear being stigmatized for breaking with Christmas tradition and leaving on such a significant date.