By the HELP Committee and Havre Public Schools for Havre Daily
News The holidays are upon us, a time of family reunions,
parties, shopping and joy. For some, though, the holidays create
a set of conditions that may culminate in physical, emotional or
financial abuse. It is important to remember that holidays don't
cause family violence. Stress doesn't cause family violence.
These factors only increase the likelihood of family abuse or
violence in families already at risk or where violence has
already occurred. Exactly what is family abuse or violence?
According to the Pennsylvania Alliance for Children and
Families, a person may be a victim of family violence if they
are subject to any of the following: Physical abuse: inflicting
or threatening to inflict physical pain or injury or depriving
someone of a basic need. Emotional abuse: name-calling,
intimidation, threats or other actions or words that cause fear,
anguish or distress. Sexual abuse: rape, unwanted touching,
forcing sexual acts, refusing to practic