Youth Domestic Violence

If there are children in a relationship with domestic violence it brings added worries. All research shows that if children witness their parents’ marital discord and fighting, this will affect them deeply and their emotional well-being will be harmed. They will be scared by what they see and hear. Don’t trick yourself into believing that they do not notice, or will not be affected by it....

Things You Must Know

These are the most important things you must do if you feel that you are in an abusive relationship: Trust your instincts, nobody knows the situation better than you (see notes from specialist section). Know it is not your fault. Do not take the blame or think you can handle it. Make a safety plan, don't just leave; leave safely. (womenslaw.org and Neighbours, Friends and Families offer some...

Gender Specific

The rates of domestic violence in same-gender relationships is roughly the same as domestic violence against heterosexual women. As in opposite-gendered couples, the problem is likely underreported. Facing a system which is often oppressive and hostile towards those who identify as anything other than "straight", those involved in same-gender battering frequently report being afraid of revealing...

Date Rape

Date rape is when someone you know socially (but not family) makes you have sex when you don’t want to. It could be someone you meet at a party, or someone you love and trust, like your boyfriend. There are types of rape that you may wish to learn about. They might use physical and verbal threats, emotional blackmail, or alcohol and drugs(also known as " Drugs") to force or trick you into...

Just for Teens

Domestic violence is a serious problem, and it’s not just an adult problem. Teens experience abuse in their relationships, too. In fact, teens and young adults are often the most at risk for domestic violence. It affects many people in many ways and it can happen anywhere and to anyone. Are you are concerned about your own relationship? Someone else’s? Do you just want to be more informed?...

Dating Abuse Fast Facts

  Estimates vary, but researchers say date and acquaintance rape may account for 70 percent of all sexual assaults. The problem is most visible on college campuses, where as many as one in five women may experience some type of physical or psychological sexual coercion. But date rape isn't limited to campuses, even though it's most commonly reported by young women between the ages of 15 and...

Effects on Children Witnessing Abuse

In Canada, it is estimated that each year 800,000 children are exposed to a woman being abused. When children witness abuse they receive the message that violence is an acceptable way to resolve conflict and therefore a normal part of a relationship. The impact of witnessing abuse depends on the age and developmental stage of the child, the frequency and severity of the abuse along with the...

Safety Planning

You can’t control your partner’s abusive behavior, but you can take steps to protect yourself from harm. Whether you decide to stay or end the relationship, you should consider creating a safety plan. A safety plan is a personalized and practical plan for reducing your risk of being hurt by your partner. By thinking through it in advance, a safety plan can help you avoid dangerous situations...

Are You Abusive?

Are you concerned that you may be abusing your girlfriend or boyfriend? Have friends or family ever told you they thought you were abusive or controlling? Abuse is not part of a normal relationship, even if it doesn’t happen every day. Ask yourself these questions. Do you ever: Call your girlfriend/boyfriend names? Text or call them excessively and get upset when they don’t respond? Monitor...

The Effects of Woman Abuse

Forty-five per cent of woman abuse results in physical injury. The psychological effects of this can be far-reaching: eighty-five per cent of abused women indicate that they have experienced some type of negative emotional effects including anger, fear, becoming less trusting, suffering from lowered self-esteem, depression, anxiety, shame and guilt. In order to combat these effects, twenty-five...