DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

Is any use of physical or sexual force, actual or threatened, in an intimate relationship.  Including emotional / psychological abuse or harassing behaviour.  This abuse can happen at any time during the relationship.  One person tries to maintain power and control over another through abuse or violence.

WARNING SIGNS MAY BE:

Feeling like you can’t live without him/her
Wanting to end the relationship, but are too afraid
You stop seeing friends and family
Feeling harassed or controlled about who you see, what you do, who you talk to
Having to ‘Walk on Eggshells’ to keep the peace
Believe that jealousy is a sign of love
Feeling pressured to do things you don’t want to (like having sex)
Thinking that you are the only one that can help them

If you, or someone you know have been affected by the above, or you just want information on how to cope, from a past or present experience.  We have resources that we can share with you to help overcome some of the hurdles.

FOR EXAMPLE WE HAVE:

  • Abuse is Wrong
  • Cycle of Abuse
  • Do you know a Woman who is being Abused
  • Family Law Book
  • How Can I Help a Friend or Family Member
  • If You Hear From Others
  • My Rights
  • Power & Control / Equality Wheel
  • Restraining Orders – A Self Help Guide
  • Restraining Orders, Peace Bonds & Terms of Release
  • Safety Planning

TEEN DATING VIOLENCE:

  • Fact Sheet for Moms and Dads
  • Help Starts Here – If Your Child is a Victim of a Crime
  • Safety Planning with Teens
  • Technology and Teen Dating Violence
  • Teens and Violence
  • Teen Dating Violence: What you Need to Know
  • Teen Dating Violence fact sheet
  • Teen Power & Control / Equality Wheel
  • The Person I go out with Sometimes Scares Me

CHILDREN WHO HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OR OTHER TRAUMA:

Children react to trauma in their own way depending on their age and developmental stage. It is important to know that children react the same way they see their parent(s) reacting.

YOUR CHILD MAY FEEL:

  • Shock, disbelief and denial
  • Frightened
  • Afraid
  • Helpless
  • Angry
  • Guilty
  • Sad

YOUR CHILD MAY BE EXPERIENCING:

  • Difficulty in coping with life
  • Bad dreams, nightmares
  • Becoming clingy, whiney or not willing to let you out of sight
  • Stomach aches, headaches, nausea, vomiting
  • Changes in appetite
  • Becoming quiet

SOME RESOURCES WE HAVE ARE:

  • Helping Children Thrive
  • Helping Children Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence
  • Learning to Listen, Learning to Help
  • Little Eyes, Little Ears
  • When Children Are Exposed To An Abusive Parent

These are just a few examples of the resources we have at our offices.  If you are looking for more resources or referrals in your local area give us a call 1-866-863-4108 – 24 hour contact line.