If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

Get emergency care if you or a loved one has serious thoughts of suicide or harming others.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is abuse by a caregiver, a parent, a spouse, intimate partner, or another member of your family. Abuse can take many forms. All forms of abuse can leave you feeling depressed, anxious, or isolated. Some types of abuse include the following:

• Physical abuse. The use of physical force to cause harm. This includes hitting, kicking or biting.
• Sexual abuse. This is any forced sexual activity.
• Emotional abuse. This includes threats, constant criticism and put-downs.
• Controlling behavior. This might take the form of controlling money, activities, friends, family, etc.

Violence against a partner or a child is a crime in all provinces. According to Statistics Canada, 26% of violent crime victims were victimized by a family member.   Abuse happens to people of all races, ages, incomes and religions.

People who are hurt by their partners, parents or guardians do not cause the abuse. Alcohol and drugs do not cause abuse, although they can make the violence worse.

Things to consider

If you or your children are being abused, the first thing you should do is get to safety. Go to a safe place, such as the home of a friend, family member, or an emergency shelter. Take your children with you. Call the police if you think you can’t leave home safely. Call the police if you want to bring charges against your abuser. If possible, take house keys, money, and important papers when you leave. Do not use drugs or alcohol at this time. You need to be alert in a crisis. The staff members at emergency shelters can help you file for a court order of protection.

Physical injuries and emotional scars often are related to domestic abuse. Physical injuries include:

• Cuts and bruises around the neck, face, head, abdomen (stomach), arms, legs, feet, fingers, and buttocks.
• Loose or broken teeth.
• Ruptured eardrum.
• Cigarette burns.
• Bite marks.
• Rope burns.
• Welts (raised, red marks) on the body from being struck by an object, such as a belt.

In many cases, a victim of domestic abuse may have scars from past injuries. Out of fear, some victims avoid seeking medical treatment for their injuries.

The emotional scars of domestic abuse can result in other physical problems, including:

• Headaches.
• Neck pain.
• Chest pain.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Choking sensations.
• Numbness and tingling sensations.
• Pain during sex (vaginal, pelvic, rectal).
• Urinary tract infections.
• Upset stomach.

The psychological effects of domestic abuse can lead to a number of emotional problems, including:

• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Chronic fatigue.
• Thoughts of suicide.
• Risky behavior (substance abuse, poor relationships).

A victim’s own behavior might raise some red flags with their closest friends and family. If you are worried that a friend or loved one has been abused, look for these signs:

• Poor eye contact.
• Overly quiet.
• Passive (letting a parent, partner, or caregiver talk for them, make decisions for them).
• Wearing clothes that aren’t appropriate for the season (possibly to cover up cuts and bruises).
• Fear.

Don’t let known abuse go unreported. Contact your local law enforcement officials. Many communities have shelters for domestic abuse victims and their families.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Nova Scotia’s Department of Justice
https://novascotia.ca/just/victim_Services/family_violence.asp

Nova Scotia Domestic Violence Resource Centre
https://www.nsdomesticviolence.ca/

Prince Edward Island Government
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/family-and-human-services/emergency-services-victims-family-violence

Prince Edward Island Family Violence Prevention Services
http://www.fvps.ca/contact-us/

Canada’s Department of Justice
http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/fv-vf/about-apropos.html