Family & Intimate Partner Violence

You may be in an abusive relationship if you answer yes to any of these statements:

Do You Feel...

• You are being treated as a child, servant or possession?
• Powerless and embarrassed?
• Afraid of your partner?
• That you deserve to be hurt or mistreated?
• Isolated?

Does Your Partner...

• Treat you like a possession or sex object?
• Make decisions for you and the family, telling you what to do and expects you to obey?
• Use insults, name-calling and public put-downs?
• Stop you from seeing friends and family, keeps you from going out, and constantly checks up on you?
• Threaten to hurt/kill you or the children?
• Threaten to commit suicide or file charges against you?
• Break things in front of you, hurt pets, or put weapons on display to scare you?
• Blame you for their behaviour, or blame their childhood? They may deny it has occurred or say they were having a bad day as an excuse.

A relationship may be abusive if one partner:

• has unexplained bruises or questionable explanations for injuries
• acts differently when their partner is around (for example, doesn't speak up)
• tries to change the subject if they are questioned about their partner's behaviour
• seems to be controlled by their partner and seems reluctant to make decisions by themselves
• withdraws from their friends and family
• is pressured to have their online activity monitored by their partner
• has an uncharacteristic change in risk-taking behaviours (for example, doing drugs, drinking alcohol)
• experiences a drop in school or work performance
• is humiliated or criticized by their partner in front of others
• is frequently contacted by their partner wanting to know where they are and what they are doing

Anyone, regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, ability, or ethnicity can be a victim of intimate partner violence.

Intimate partner violence can take many forms, including:

Physical abuse

• A threat or attack made with a fist or object; pushing, shoving, slapping, kicking, striking, choking, hitting or beating. This abuse may or may not leave physical marks or cause noticeable injuries.

Sexual abuse

• Any forced sexual activity and other forms of sexual coercion.

Emotional or psychosocial abuse

• Words or actions to control or frighten an intimate partner, or destroy their self-esteem through feelings of shame, anxiety or hopelessness.

Financial abuse

• Control or misuse of an intimate partner's money, resources or property.

Neglect

• Situations where a person has a responsibility to provide care or assistance to someone, but actively does not do so.

Creating a safety plan can help you and your family mitigate potential risks.

• Create a code word with friends and family that lets them know to call for help when leaving is not possible
• Keep important documents such as passports, social insurance numbers, bank cards and keys in one safe location so you can quickly grab them in an emergency
• Have a plan to get out of your house in an emergency and find a place you and your children can escape to
• Prepare an emergency bag with essentials such as important documents (originals or photocopies), clothing, medication, money, etc. that you can quickly take with you should you have to leave
• Consider sharing your safety plan with a trusted family member

Click here for a thorough safety planning checklist.

1. A uniformed police officer will meet with you to investigate the situation
2. If the officer has reasonable grounds to believe an offence has been committed under the Criminal Code or other act, they will lay charges
   • If there are not reasonable grounds to lay charges, the officer will attempt to keep the peace, mediate the situation, and offer advice and referrals
   • If charges are laid, the accused will be arrested and charged - either at the scene or once they are located by police
3. Police and the Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) will let you know once the accused has been arrested. Once they are arrested, the accused will either be kept in custody or released with conditions. If they are released, police/VWAP will let you know they have been released as well as the conditions of their release (such as to not be in contact with you).
4. You will be asked to come to the Police Services Building to participate in a video interview with an officer. This video may be presented in court as evidence.
5. Children's Aid Society or Nogdawindamin Family & Community Services will be notified if children under the age of 18 were present during the incident, or if either involved person has access to, or are in a caregiver role for, children under the age of 18 or in care of Children's Aid Society or Nogdawindamin Family & Community Services.
6. Victims will likely be required to testify at trial, but VWAP will assist with preparation for the court process. 

If you are a victim or witness of a crime, you may need to go to court. This can be a difficult experience and you may have questions about the criminal court process and what will be expected of you.

The Victim/Witness Assistance Program is a court-based program that provides information, help and support to victims and witnesses of crime so they can understand and participate in the criminal court process. A victim/witness service worker will talk with you and assist you based on your specific case and needs.

The Victim/Witness Assistance Program can:

• provide you with information about your case, victims’ rights and the criminal court process
• provide you with information about courtroom procedures and your role in court
• help you understand what to expect at each court date and help prepare you for your appearance in court
• provide you with key court updates
• provide you with copies of court orders, such as bail conditions and probation orders
• coordinate with the Crown attorney to provide your input, concerns and needs as they relate to the criminal court case
• connect you with the police to discuss your safety concerns and any other information you wish to provide about the crime
• offer emotional support throughout the court process
• refer you to community agencies, including Indigenous and other culturally specific agencies, for additional services and supports you may need, such as counselling and safety planning
• arrange for language interpreters and help ensure accommodations for any disabilities are met throughout your involvement with the program and while at court
• assess eligibility for support through the Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund that will assist you to participate in the court process
• help you understand and complete a Victim Impact Statement and a Statement on Restitution

The services start once police have laid charges and will continue until the court case is over.  Services are free and your participation with the program is voluntary.

Victim Services of Algoma can help provide short-term emotional support, practical assistance, and referral service to victims of crime and tragic circumstance.

Western University's Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women & Children offers a free online course for anyone who is concerned about people who experience intimate partner violence. You will receive a certificate upon completion. Click here to access the course.

Information for friends and family of those experiencing intimate partner violence can also be found here.