Christmas 'makes everything worse' for domestic abuse victims

ITV Wales weather presenter Ruth Dodsworth has said Christmas "makes everything worse" for people who are in an abusive relationship.

The 50-year-old, who was married to Jonathan Wignall, said she would "dread" spending Christmas Day with him, adding that the festive season can exacerbate problems - especially if their partner's behaviour is triggered by alcohol.

Wignall, 54, was jailed in 2021 after a nine-year campaign of harassment and stalking during their marriage.

Welsh Women's Aid said the charity sees a "huge spike" in calls to its helpline for support in the days after Christmas.

Video edited by Finbar Cahill

22 December 2025

Domestic abuse

Wales

Emotional abuse

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