Family Violence
Family Violence is the abuse of power within a family or a relationship where one person trusts or depends on another. This abuse of power threatens the survival, security or well-being of that person. Any person in a family can be a victim of violence; man, woman or child.
The incidence, nature and impact of intimate partner violence are more severe for women than men. Woman abuse is about power, control and violence. Woman abuse happens all over the world, no matter what your cultural background is or how much money you have. In Canada, six out of every 100 women experience abuse by their spouse.
Abuse comes in many forms and victims may experience more than one.
- Emotional/psychological/verbal
- Environmental abuse in the home or vehicle
- Social abuse
- Financial abuse
- Ritual abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Religious abuse
What kind of relationship are you in?
Healthy relationships are based on equality and respect.
- You make decisions together
- You openly discuss challenges
- You enjoy spending time together or apart
Unhealthy relationships are based on attempts to control the other person.
- One person tries to make most of the decisions
- One person pressures their partner about sex
- One person does not see how their actions can be hurtful
- One person pressures their partner to spend time only with them
Abusive relationships are based on power and control
- One person makes all of the decisions about sexual choices, friends and boundaries
- One person is made to spend all free time with their partner
- One person makes their partner feel guilty or crazy by playing mind games
- One person is afraid to talk about what is really happening in the relationship
- One person lives in fear because of threats or acts of physical violence
- One person is destroying things
Know the signs of abuse and get help. Do not handle the situation alone, contact the police for help. In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
Call Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 1-866-863-0511 to create a safety plan – keep you and your child(ren) safe.
Community Resources
- Assaulted Women’s Helpline: Toll Free: 1-866-863-0511; TTY: 416-364-8762 or 1-866-863-7868; Mobile: #SAFE (#7233)
- Shelters in York Region available 24 hours, seven days per week
- Child Protection Services for a child in need of protection:
- York Region Children’s Aid Society: 905-895-2318 or 1-800-718-3850
- Jewish Family and Child, York Region Branch: 905-303-5838
- Kids Helpline: 1-800-668-6868
- Male Survivor Support line: 1-866-887-0015
- Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness
- York Region Abuse Program @email
- Community Crisis Response Service: 1-855-310-COPE (2673)
- York Region Health Connection: 1-800-361-5653
- In an emergency, call Police at 9-1-1
- In cases of non-emergencies, call Police at 1-866-876-5423
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