Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate partner violence is incredibly prevalent across Canada. In fact, in York Region it has been declared an epidemic.
According to Statistics Canada, 44 per cent of women who have been in a relationship, and one in three men will experience some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
Each year, York Regional Police responds to over 6,000 calls regarding intimate partner violence.
In 2023, a total of 6,862 incidents were reported to YRP. However, we know many incidents of intimate partner violence are underreported.
Intimate partner violence impacts everyone, across demographics, from all walks of life.
If you or someone you love is experiencing intimate partner violence or abuse, you are not alone and resources are available.
Types of intimate partner abuse
Abuse isn't always physical. In fact, it can occur in many forms. Here are some of the most common types of intimate partner abuse:
Emotional or psychological abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse can include insults or other tactics to control another person’s actions and thinking.
It often involves frightening, controlling or isolating another person in order to intimidate and control them.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse involves the intentional or threatened use of physical force to cause injury or trauma to another person.
Physical abuse can include hitting, pushing, cutting and strangulation.
Financial abuse
Also known as economic abuse, financial abuse involves withholding money, restricting spending and stealing money.
Failing to include a partner in financial decisions is also an example of financial abuse.
Spiritual abuse
Spiritual abuse involves using a partner’s spiritual beliefs in order to manipulate, dominate or exercise control over them.
Criminal harassment
Criminal harassment is commonly known as stalking. It involves repeated conduct which makes another person fear for their safety and wellbeing.
Criminal harassment can also include making threats, following, tracking or watching another person, or contacting them repeatedly via the internet, phone calls, texts or emails.
Sexual violence
Sexual abuse includes sexual acts without consent, threats of repercussions for refusing.
It can also involve forcing someone to watch or participate in the making of pornography and using belittling comments or degrading language.
Resources
If you or someone you love is experiencing intimate partner violence or abuse, you are not alone and there are resources that can help.
Learn more about some of the resources available to survivors of intimate partner violence:
The York Region Centre for Community Safety (YRCCS)
YRCCS is a service delivery hub for survivors of IPV, family violence and human trafficking.
YRCCS is a ‘one stop shop’ to access multiple services.
Contact YRCCS by calling 905-836-7601 ext. 100, or toll free at 1-855-541-2220
Or visit the YRCCS website.
Victim Services of York Region
VSYR provides immediate emotional support, practical assistance, information and referrals to individuals victimized by crime and tragic circumstances.
Contact VSYR by calling 905-953-5363 or visit the VSY website.
The Assaulted Women’s Helpline
A free, anonymous and confidential 24-hour phone and TTY crisis line open to all women in Ontario who experience abuse.
The helpline provides crisis counselling, safety planning, information, referrals and more.
Contact the Assaulted Women's Helpline by calling 1-866-863-0511
Visit the Assaulted Women's Helpline website.
The Women’s Support Network
The WSN provides free, confidential rape crisis and sexual assault supports to women, trans women, youth and gender diverse people who have experienced sexual violence.
It offers a 24-hour crisis and support line, sexual violence counselling, support groups, workshops and more.
Contact the Women's Support Network by calling 1-800-263-6734
Visit the Women's Support Network website.
Warning signs of intimate partner violence
Intimate partner violence may not always be easy to recognize.
Learn more about the warning signs and how you can help someone in an abusive relationship:
Poor physical health
- Depression or anxiety
- Trauma or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Feelings of shame or guilt
- Increased substance use
- Chronic disorders or chronic pain
- Gastrointestinal issues due to stress
- Unsafe sexual behaviour
- Reproductive problems
- Low self-esteem
- Self harm or suicidal thoughts
- Difficulty trusting others
- Secrecy
- Difficulty maintaining a job
- Unexplained changes in behaviour or personality
- Becoming withdrawn from friends and family
- Becoming uncharacteristically aggressive
- Bruises, marks or other physical signs of abuse
Signs your partner may be abusive
If your partner does any of these things, you may be in an abusive relationship:
- They put you down
- They check-up on you excessively
- They isolate you from your friends and family
- They won’t allow you to see your loved ones alone
- They manipulate or blackmail you
- They act as if they own you
- They lie to make themselves appear better
- They restrict of control your spending
- They demand access to your phone, email and social media account
Helping someone in an abusive relationship
If someone you love is in an abusive relationship, follow these steps to help them:
