What is Family Violence?
Family Violence, often referred to as Domestic Violence/Domestic Abuse, is actual or threatened physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial abuse directed toward a family member.
It includes intimate partner abuse, as well as abuse that is directed to others in a family relationship, such as so-called honour-based violence.
An intimate relationship can be between people who are married, living together, dating, separated or divorced.
Violence can happen in any family and affects women and men of all ages, cultures, income levels, religions, professions and abilities.
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Physical Abuse
Any physical act intended to hurt, threaten, or intimidate, including slapping, punching, shoving, kicking, choking, locking out of the house, abandoning in an unsafe place.
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Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Put downs, constant criticism, name-calling, excessive jealousy, limiting access to family and friends, threats of suicide, threats to harm loved ones, pets or property.
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Sexual Abuse
Unwanted sexual touching or intercourse, derogatory sexual name-calling.
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Financial
Use of financial information or other resources (ex: property, possessions) to control and cause harm to another person.
Abusers believe they have the right to control their victims.