Family Violence

Child abuse/neglect – Abuse of someone under the age of 18 

Parent violence – Abuse of a parent by a child or adolescent; results in challenging power dynamics within a family 

Intimate partner violence – Violence within marriages, or common-law/dating relationships; during relationship or after a relationship has ended 

Elder abuse – Actions or failure to act resulting in harm to older adults   

"Honour-based" violence – The use of violence in an attempt to protect or restore family honour 

Underage/forced marriage – Marriage without consent or with someone under the age of 16 

Female genital mutilation – Injuring/removing external female genital organs without medical reasons 

Cyber abuse – Abuse using the Internet; can include cyberbullying, luring, or distribution of intimate pictures without consent 

Human trafficking – The control and exploitation of a person; can include sexual exploitation or forced labour

Physical – Intentionally using force against someone (examples: pushing, hitting, kicking, pinching, choking, stabbing, shooting, throwing objects, burning)

Sexual – Forced sexual acts, coercion or exploitation (examples: touching without consent, continuing sexual activity after being asked to stop)

Emotional – Controlling, isolating or causing fear in someone using words/actions (examples: threats, constant yelling, preventing someone from seeing family/friends, destroying belongings, bullying)

Financial – Control or exploitation of someone using money or belongings (examples: withholding/controlling money, forcing someone to sign documents or sell belongings)

Neglect – Failing to provide basic necessities (examples: inadequate food, clothing, healthcare, personal hygiene, supervision)

Exposure to Violence – Being present while family violence is occurring (examples: hearing/seeing violence between parents or family members)