Together we can: support each other this season

Wellness
Written By AMBER

As we step into December, many of us look forward to moments of warmth, celebration, and connection. But we also know that this time of year can be especially difficult for some women in our community. At AMBER, we believe in speaking openly and compassionately about the reality many sisters face — because when we acknowledge the truth, we create space for healing, safety, and support.

Why December can be a triggering month

The festive season brings joy for some, but for many women, December can also mean heightened tension and increased vulnerability. Every year, incidents of domestic abuse and sexual assault rise during this period. Some of the reasons include:

Increased substance use: Alcohol and drugs are more present at gatherings, which can increase aggression.

  • Loneliness: This time of year can amplify isolation and emotional strain.

  • More social gatherings: More mixing means more opportunities for unsafe encounters or boundary-crossing.

  • More people coming into the home: Family visits or gatherings can create stress or expose women to unsafe individuals.

  • Darker nights: Shorter days can affect mood, energy and mental wellbeing.

  • Financial and emotional pressure: The mental load is often heavier during December and in to January as there are more financial pressures as the season comes with extra costs, which can be difficult especially when the income is the same.

The Angiolini Inquiry: Why this matters for all of us

The recent publication of the Angiolini Inquiry, commissioned following the tragic murder of Sarah Everard, has highlighted deep-rooted failures within policing that continue to put women at risk.

The report found that:

  • Over a quarter of police forces still lack basic policies on sexual offences, including non-contact crimes such as flashing.

  • There is a critical failure to collect accurate data on sexual violence, meaning we do not fully understand the scale of the problem.

  • Preventing gender-based violence requires a fundamental shift — real accountability, better vetting, stronger safeguarding, and a cultural change within institutions tasked with protecting women.

For us — as sisters, mothers, daughters, friends — these findings reinforce what many already know: the systems meant to keep us safe often fall short, and our greatest strength continues to be each other.

This is why community, solidarity, and mutual support matter now more than ever.

You can read the full report here: The Angiolini Inquiry – Part 2 Report

Sisters, you are not alone

If you or someone you know is experiencing verbal, emotional, financial, physical, or sexual abuse, please know this: you deserve safety, dignity, and support. Seeking help is an act of courage, not shame.

Below is a list of organisations and services that can offer confidential support.

Where you can get help

Specialist organisations for Asian and minority women

National support services

Local emergency and community support

How to Ask for Help Safely

Reaching out can feel overwhelming, especially if you are frightened or being controlled. Here are some steps that may help:

1. Tell someone you trust

A friend, colleague, neighbour, or family member.

Sometimes, even one supportive person makes all the difference.

2. Use safe moments to reach out

If calling at home is unsafe, try:

  • A work break

  • A pharmacy

  • A GP appointment

  • Online chat services (Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis offer silent options)

3. Create a simple safety plan

Consider:

  • Keeping important documents together

  • Having a charged phone hidden or with a trusted person

  • Setting up a code word with a friend

  • Knowing where you would go in an emergency

4. Document what’s happening (only if safe)

Screenshots, photos, or messages may help if you later choose to report.

5. Call 999 in immediate danger

If you cannot speak, use the Silent Solution by pressing 55.

Let’s look out for one another

This December, let us look beyond the lights and festive noise and check in on one another with care, compassion, and openness.

A simple: “How are you really?” might be the moment a sister needs.

The findings of the Angiolini Inquiry remind us why community, solidarity, and collective strength are so essential.

The system may be flawed — but together, we are powerful.

At AMBER, we will always stand for women’s safety, empowerment, and dignity.

No woman should ever suffer alone.

With love and solidarity,

Team AMBER

AMBER
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