Abuse – What is it?
What is Woman Abuse?
Abuse is defined as the use of physical, emotional, verbal and sexual behavior to control and maintain power over another human being. An abused woman is a victim of abuse by her partner who is jealous and controlling.
Who is the abuser?
A boyfriend
A common-law partner
An intimate partner
Have you or someone you know ever experienced the following?
Name-calling or put-downs
Isolation from family or friends
Withholding of money
Actual or threatened physical harm
Sexual assault
if You are Abused
Call the police
Tell your doctor, social worker, friend, neighbour or relative
Call your local shelter and get the information that you need to help yourself
Why Would a Woman Stay?
One of the biggest misconceptions and tragedies is society’s willingness to blame the victim. We must place responsibility for the crimes on the offenders and stop blaming the victims. “Why doesn’t she just leave him?” Well, there are lots reasons why women stay.
she loves the partner, not the violence
she made a commitment she feels she can’t break
she has nowhere else to go
she has no money, or fears the poverty that may result for her and her children if she leaves
relatives and in-laws want her to stay
she believes her partner can’t get along without her – he may have threatened suicide if she leaves
she wants her children to grow up with their father
he takes her confidence away so she doesn’t think she can make it on her own
she believes her partner will change
she is afraid or ashamed
he makes her feel guilty and tells her the abuse is her fault
she believes she deserves the abuse
she’s afraid for her own and her children’s lives
Support is available 24/7 to women 16 and over for information, advice or just a caring voice. Recovering from sexual assault might be the bravest thing you ever do. When you’re ready, we’re here to help.
We also provide resources for friends and family of survivors
Confidential support if you have been sexually assaulted recently or in the past
One to one counselling with a sexual assault counsellor
Support & accompaniment (when requested, we can go with you to the to the police, court, or hospital)
Information and referrals to other services
Access to survivor support groups
Information about:
sexual assault, incest and child sexual abuse
legal, medical, police and court procedures