Violence and Abuse Prevention

Violence and abuse can occur across the lifespan and in various settings, including homes and communities. Anyone can be impacted by violence and abuse, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, or ability. Violence and abuse can include physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. Various types of violence and abuse can occur together. Understanding forms of violence and abuse is important for prevention and to ensure adequate intervention and support strategies are implemented.

Child Abuse

Child abuse is the physical, emotional, sexual, or neglectful maltreatment of a child. Witnessing violence is also considered a form of child abuse. Impacts of child abuse can be immediate, such as injuries or aggressive behaviours. Other impacts of child abuse develop over time, such as hyper-arousal, sensitized stress response systems, and insecure attachment. Children are often abused by someone they know and trust like a parent/guardian, family member, coach, or teacher. Everyone has a duty to report suspected child abuse according to the Child and Family Services Act.

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Youth Dating Violence

Youth dating violence includes a range of abuse behaviours experienced by youth in romantic or dating relationships. These behaviours include physical violence, sexual violence, and emotional and psychological abuse. Youth dating violence can be experienced in person or online. Youth dating violence is a risk factor for experiencing future partner violence in adulthood.

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Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) can involve partners who are married, living together, common-law, or dating casually. Partners may or may not be sexually intimate with one another. Violence can occur at any time during the relationship or after it has ended. People of any gender can be either the victim or the perpetrator of violence. Intimate partner violence can occur in both heterosexual and same sex relationships.

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Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) is any violence directed towards or against someone due to their gender expression, gender identity, or perceived gender. It can take many forms including physical violence, sexual violence, emotional and psychological abuse, and gender/sexual identity-based bullying. Indigenous women and girls, Black and racialized women, immigrant and refugee women, 2SLGBTQQI+ and gender/sex diverse people, people with disabilities, and women living in northern, rural, and remote communities are among the populations in Canada who are at greater risk of gender-based violence. These populations are also most often underserved when they experience these forms of violence.

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Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma is a lasting response to highly distressing situations, including violence and abuse. This response can include negative effects on how a person thinks and behaves. Effects of trauma can be short-term (e.g., physical symptoms, memory problems, flashbacks) or longer-term (e.g., mental health issues, substance use). Trauma-informed approaches to care can help to decrease these negative effects and improve health outcomes.

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