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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Comment
Frances Ryan

During the holidays, reports of domestic violence surge. But what if next year could be different?

Home secretary Yvette Cooper (front left) and safeguarding minister Jess Phillips (back right) with counsellor and campaigner Nour Norris (back left) meet 999 control handlers in Aylesford, Kent to announce new measures to combat violence against women and girls, 19 September 2024
Home secretary Yvette Cooper (front left) and safeguarding minister Jess Phillips (back right) with counsellor and campaigner Nour Norris (back left) meet 999 control handlers in Aylesford, Kent to announce new measures to combat violence against women and girls, 19 September 2024. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA

There is a classic Christmas episode of EastEnders in which much-loved character Little Mo is abused by her husband, Trevor. After visiting her sisters on Christmas morning, Mo is late for dinner. When she returns, Trevor grabs his wife by the hair and pushes her face into her waiting plate. Gravy dripping down her skin, Mo is pushed out of her chair and forced to eat turkey off the floor.

It was a harrowing storyline but made more so because the viewer knew this was not just fiction: there are countless real-life Little Mos out there, trapped at home in fear and pain at a time of year that should bring joy and peace.

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