As we enter the thick of the holiday season, for many, the vibes of merry and bright aren't always felt. 

Andrea Kocher is the Director of Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County and stresses that domestic violence does not know economic status nor education status - noting it is the everyday person that is impacted by domestic abuse. 

According to Kocher, the cycle of abuse tends to move quicker this time of the year. While encounters with law enforcement increase this time of the year, Willow Tree's calls for help do not.

A lot of people feel the pressure of the holidays and that can lead to increases in stress. For domestic violence victims and their abusers, the causes of that stress have a wide range of triggers but the most common is the financial stress of the holiday season.

Several other factors lead to stress during the holidays and create volatile situations for victims. 

Next week on Regional Radio, Kocher will highlight some of those things for us but will also provide encouragement and advice for both victims and friends and family of victims and how to support them. 

In the meantime, learn about all things Willow Tree Missions, including services and emergency information, by visiting willowtreemissions.org or find them on Facebook.