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Domestic Violence

On any given day in Canada, more than 3,300 women (along with their 3,000 children) sleep in an emergency shelter to escape domestic violence (Statistics Canada 2011).

 

Emergency Help

If you're in danger, call 911.

Did you know?

Half of all women in Canada have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence since the age of 16 (Statistics Canada 1993).

 

What is domestic violence and woman abuse?

  • It is the use of psychological, physical or sexual force in an intimate relationship.
  • The intimate relationship can include a current or past partner, or a family member.
  • It can be actually happening or is being threatened by the abuser.
  • It is a pattern of controlling behaviours that may include physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and financial abuse.
  • It happens across all cultures, religions, ages, sexual orientations, educational backgrounds and income levels.
  • It can be deadly and anyone close to the family involved may be at risk.
  • Typically abuse escalates in frequency or severity, especially if the abuser uses physical violence.

Where to go for help

Women abuse:

  • Anova
    24-Hour Helpline:
    519-642-3000
    Toll free: 1-800-265-1576
    http://www.anovafuture.org
  • London Abused Women’s Centre
    Offers counselling, advocacy, safety planning
    519-432-2204
    Lawc.on.ca

Sexual assault:

  • Anova
    24-Hour Helpline:
    519-642-3000
    Toll free: 1-800-265-1576
    http://www.anovafuture.org
  • St. Joseph’s Health Care London
    Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre
    24 hour service and emergency forensic assessments
    519-646-6100, extension 64224
    sjhc.london.on.ca/sexualassault

Safety Planning

1. Call for help

  • If you need emergency help, call 911.
  • For crisis counselling, call the Abused Women’s Helpline: 519-642-3000.

2. Tell someone

  • Tell someone you trust about the abuse
  • Tell your friends and family about your plans

3. Leave the abuser

  • Take your children when leaving; bring a change of clothes and a few toys
  • Keep emergency supplies in a safe place:

1. Health cards
2. List of emergency phone numbers
3. Bank cards
4. Legal papers
5. Spare house keys
6. Emergency money
7. Medication
8. Birth certificates/Passports

Signs of an abusive relationship

Power and Control Wheel (PDF)

  • The Power and Control Wheel shows how power and control is the main cause of abusive behaviors.
  • The Power and Control Wheel can be used in many types of relationships heterosexual, gay and lesbian.

Signs of a Healthy Relationship

Equality Wheel (PDF)

  • The Equality Wheel shows the correct ways to interact in a healthy relationship.

Community Resources

Women abuse:

Sexual assault:

  • Anova
    24-Hour Helpline:
    519-642-3000
    Toll free: 1-800-265-1576
    http://www.anovafuture.org
  • St. Joseph’s Health Care London
    Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre
    24 hour service and emergency forensic assessments
    519-646-6100, extension 64224
    sjhc.london.on.ca/sexualassault

First Nations:

  • AT^LOHSA Native Family Healing Services Inc.
    24 hour crisis line 1-800-605-7477
    atlohsa.com

Francophone services:

  • Fem’aide
    24 hour helpline for francophone women
    1-877-FEMAIDE (336-2433)
    femaide.ca
  • Carrefour des femmes du Sud-Ouest de l’Ontario (CFSOO)
    Crisis support line, counselling, advocacy, education for francophone women
    519-858-0954
    Toll free: 1-888-858-0954
    carrefourfemmes.on.ca

Child abuse:

  • Children’s Aid Society of London & Middlesex
    Child protection services for children at risk
    519-455-9000
    After hours emergencies: 519-858-5998
    Toll free: 1-888-661-6167
    caslondon.on.ca

Supports for men:

Elder abuse:

Educational resources:

  • London Coordinating Committee to End Woman Abuse
    Links to supports and resources
    lccewa.ca
  • Neighbours, Friends and Families
    Information on helping someone who is being abused
    519-661-2111, extension 87486
    neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca
  • Make it Our Business
    Information on domestic violence in the workplace
    makeitourbusiness.com
 
Date of creation: February 22, 2013
Last modified on: February 28, 2018