Family Violence

Family Violence is the abuse of power within a family or a relationship where one person trusts or depends on another.  This abuse of power threatens the survival, security or well-being of that person.  Any person in a family can be a victim of violence; man, woman, child or elderly.

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) as a major global public health concern, as it affects millions of people worldwide and can results in immediate and long-lasting health, social and economic consequences. IPV impacts people of all genders, ages, socioeconomic, racial, educational, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. However, women account for the vast majority of people who experience this form of gender-based violence and it is most often perpetrated by men. There are serious impacts on children who are exposed to IPV and exposure to IPV is considered a form of child maltreatment.

In 2023, York Region declared intimate partner violence an epidemic related to the very high prevalence of IPV occurrences in York Region communities. (York Region Committee of the Whole, Item H.1.1., September 2023)

York Region Police annual statistics continue to show increasing 5-year trends in reported incidents related to both family violence, as well as intimate partner violence. Comparing statistics from 2022 to 2023, criminal incidents of family violence increased by 25% and criminal incidents of intimate partner violence increased by 31%. (York Region Police 2023 Annual Statistics Report) 

Types of violence

Child abuse/neglect – Abuse of someone under the age of 18 

Parent violence – Abuse of a parent by a child or adolescent; results in challenging power dynamics within a family 

Intimate partner violence – Violence within marriages, or common-law/dating relationships; during relationship or after a relationship has ended 

Elder abuse – Actions or failure to act resulting in harm to older adults   

"Honour-based" violence – The use of violence in an attempt to protect or restore family honour 

Underage/forced marriage – Marriage without consent or with someone under the age of 16 

Female genital mutilation – Injuring/removing external female genital organs without medical reasons 

Cyber abuse – Abuse using the Internet; can include cyberbullying, luring, or distribution of intimate pictures without consent 

Human trafficking – The control and exploitation of a person; can include sexual exploitation or forced labour

Forms of violence

Physical – Intentionally using force against someone (examples: pushing, hitting, kicking, pinching, choking, stabbing, shooting, throwing objects, burning)

Sexual – Forced sexual acts, coercion or exploitation (examples: touching without consent, continuing sexual activity after being asked to stop)

Emotional – Controlling, isolating or causing fear in someone using words/actions (examples: threats, constant yelling, preventing someone from seeing family/friends, destroying belongings, bullying)

Financial – Control or exploitation of someone using money or belongings (examples: withholding/controlling money, forcing someone to sign documents or sell belongings)

Neglect – Failing to provide basic necessities (examples: inadequate food, clothing, healthcare, personal hygiene, supervision)

Exposure to Violence – Being present while family violence is occurring (examples: hearing/seeing violence between parents or family members)

What kind of relationship are you in?

Relationship quiz

Healthy relationships are based on equality and respect.

  • You make decisions together
  • You openly discuss challenges
  • You enjoy spending time together or apart

Unhealthy relationships are based on attempts to control the other person.

  • One person tries to make most of the decisions
  • One person pressures their partner about sex
  • One person does not see how their actions can be hurtful
  • One person pressures their partner to spend time only with them

Abusive relationships are based on power and control.

  • One person makes all of the decisions about sexual choices, friends and boundaries
  • One person is made to spend all free time with their partner
  • One person makes their partner feel guilty or crazy by playing mind games
  • One person is afraid to talk about what is really happening in the relationship
  • One person lives in fear because of threats or acts of physical violence
  • One person is destroying things

Know the signs of abuse and get help. Do not handle the situation alone, contact the police for help. In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

Call Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 1-866-863-0511 to create a safety plan – keep you and your child(ren) safe.

Community Resources

Helplines

Shelters

Child Protection Services

Health Services

York Region Resource Guide: safety planning, community supports
LGBTQ Supports
  • York Rainbow Network: 1-888-York-LGBT

Police/Emergencies

  • York Region Police-Victim Support Services: 905-953-5363 
  • York Region Health Connection: 1-800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-512-6228
  • In an emergency, call Police at 911
  • In cases of non-emergencies, call Police at 1-866-876-5423

Related Resources