Domestic violence rises during holidays INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department says domestic violence calls tend to rise around the holidays. When stress, financial pressure, and alcohol can collide behind closed doors. IMPD officials told News 8 that domestic calls are some of the most unpredictable situations officers face. Behind closed doors, domestic abuse often escalates quickly. IMPD Public Information Officer Tommy Thompson says when those calls come in, officers have limited information and must prepare for anything. “You are definitely on high alert,” Thompson said. “We have had incidents in IMPD’s history where officers have lost lives due to a domestic incident, and it is tragic.” Thompson added that if an individual has been violent to a domestic partner, they may be violent to an officer as well. He says these calls can be “emotionally charged,” with victims afraid to speak up and suspects nearby. “It is hard for victims, sometimes they are in need of the financial means of the aggressor, there is children involved, it’s a long standing relationship,” Thompson said. “There are lots of different situations, and it may be hard for a victim to leave the situation.” According to Thompson, it is difficult for officers to get victims to speak up, but IMPD does their best to connect victims with local resources. “We want you to come forward,” Thompson said. “It is never too late to speak up now. You could be the voice to stop them from hurting someone else in the future.” Thompson said speaking as a witness could potentially save someone’s life. “If you are a neighbor, and you are seeing some actions of a neighbor where someone may be going through something, reach out,” Thompson said. “Sometimes, we are all too often to ask ‘How is your day going?’ But only in passing.” “We make it abundantly clear, if you are causing harm, we will find you,” Thompson said. You can find a list of resources below if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence: The Indy Public Safety Foundation: “The Indy Public Safety Foundation supports the safety and quality of life of everyone in Indy, no matter their place, race, or identity.” The Julian Center: “To help victims of domestic violence and abuse become successful survivors.” The Indianapolis Coalition Against Domestic Violence: “Preventing and eliminating domestic violence.” The Coburn Place: “We offer compassionate support and safe housing choices for survivors of domestic violence and their children.” ...read more read less