Family violence and abuse occur in all ethnic, social, economic, religious, cultural and age brackets.
What’s Abuse? Abuse comes in many forms including emotional, sexual, physical and spiritual abuse.
Abuse & Intimate Partner Violence
Often abuse occurs in a repeated cycle or pattern. Survivors of abuse often experience fear, shame, isolation, low self esteem and confusion. Abuse is the misuse of power and control. It can be one person hurting, degrading or controlling another person in any area of life. Intimate Partner Violence (Abuse) refers to abuse by a boyfriend, common law partner, or spouse. Abuse can also be perpetrated by friends, family members, teachers or neighbours.
What to Remember
- Recognize that no one has a right to control another person
- Put blame where is belongs, on the abuser
- Tell someone trustworthy about your situation and the violence — you are not alone
- Consider report a date rape or physical assault to the police.
- Seek support
- Remember, drinking of alcohol and use of drugs does not give a person the right to take advantage of you.
- Abuse can happen to anyone-no one is immune.
- Be assertive with your friends, not let them pressure you into doing something you feel is not right.
Dating Violence Safety Tips
- Trust your instincts
- Have a safety plan-have your phone and extra money available in case you need a ride and know the way home
- Meet in public places for the first few dates
- Tell someone where you are going
- Leave if you feel uncomfortable
- Know the address of where you are in case you need to get out by cab
- Pay your own way — avoid obligation/guilt to have to repay
- Get to know your date
- Keep in touch with your friends and family
What can I do to help a friend?
- Believe that the abuse has occurred, often it is worse than they will tell you.
- Reassure them that they are not to blame for the abuse, no matter what the circumstances.
- Tell your friend that they are not alone. Encourage them to talk about the situation, or encourage them to talk to someone who can support them through this difficult time.
