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?

Relationship Tool

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