November is Family Violence Prevention Month. This is an important month, not only to raise awareness about preventing family violence, but also to let those experiencing it know that they are not alone.
Family violence takes on many forms and ranges in degrees of severity, from neglect to physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse. It can include intimate partner violence, child maltreatment, and elder abuse.
Research shows that women, children, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or questioning are at greater risk of experiencing family violence and its impacts.
Every six days in Canada, a woman is killed by her intimate partner. In 2021, there was a 26 per cent increase in femicides compared to the previous year, and in the first six months of 2022 alone, 88 femicides have been reported.
The mental health impacts of family violence are profound – on the individuals and on communities. Individuals face increased risk of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. They may have trouble navigating relationships and coping at work. Children and youth may experience problems with friendships, sleeping, and trusting others. They may engage in risky behaviours, and perform poorly in school.
A person facing family violence may go through some experiences that are not as evident as physical harm, such aswalking on eggshells around someone, feeling frightened or intimidated by what a family member says or does, feeling controlled or belittled, or making excuses for a family member’s behaviour.
If you or someone you know is facing family violence, there is help available locally in Woolwich and Wellesley Townships.
We know how difficult it can be to reach out for support, but local agencies are here to support you, when you are ready.
Woolwich Community Services’ Family Violence Prevention Program (519-669-5139), Woolwich Counselling Centre (519-669-8651) and Women’s Crisis Services of the Waterloo Region (519-742-5894) offer family violence services to those in need.
Without judgment or pressure, we support people of all genders, who have experienced or are experiencing family violence. Support is free and confidential and comes in many forms – helping you navigate the legal system, securing alternative housing, providing counselling to you and your family members, developing a safety plan and much more.
Everyone deserves to be safe and happy – including you and your loved ones.
