What is Abuse?

“Intimate partner violence and abuse has long been invisible in our community, and yet it happens everywhere, every single day. Sometimes women don’t recognize what they are experiencing is intimate partner violence and abuse, nor do the people who may witness it, including friends and family. Together we need to be better informed. We need to identify the different types of abuse and emphasize that abuse is not discriminatory: It impacts women of all ages, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds. Intimate partner violence and abuse is completely unacceptable.”

Makenna Rielly, Executive Director, Victoria Women’s Transition House Society

“I’m not scared anymore. Before I could not even say what I wanted. I was always in fear. Now I’m free.”

Intimate partner violence and abuse comes in many forms, whether physical, emotional or sexual, and it leaves deep marks that can be long-lasting.

Intimate partner violence and abuse includes, but is not limited to:

• Emotional abuse such as criticisms and put-downs
• Physical violence such as pushing and hitting, pinching, grabbing, choking, slapping
• Sexual violence, such as non-consensual sex
• Explicit or implied threats of harm against the woman and/or her children
• Public or social humiliation
• Financial control
• Controlling behaviours that isolate her from friends, family or community and restricts her ability to make her own decisions
• Destroying property or harming or neglecting pets

Transition House can provide information and education to help you in making safe choices.

The Faces of Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse

This video was made possible with funding from Department of Justice, Canada, in recognition of the 2016 Victims and Survivors of Crime Week.