We are all aware that everyone can become a victim of violence and that both men and women may be impacted by intimate partner violence. When domestic abuse occurs, the impact is far-reaching.
In the US, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence,
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- 1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence.
- On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
- 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. This includes a range of behaviors (e.g. slapping, shoving, pushing) and in some cases might not be considered "domestic violence."
- 1 in 7 women and 1 in 25 men have been injured by an intimate partner.
- 1 in 10 women have been raped by an intimate partner. Data is unavailable on male victims.
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence (e.g. beating, burning, strangling) by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
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In a recent Canadian study police-reported family violence increased for the third year in a row. Rates of police-reported family violence against children and youth, intimate partners, and seniors all rose in 2019. The overall rate of police-reported family violence increased for the third consecutive year, rising 13% over this period. This follows a long span of decline, with the rate falling by almost one-fifth (-19%) from 2009 to 2016. |
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The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada brought lockdown measures, school closures and job losses for many, raising concerns about the impact of these stressors on families and a possible increase in family violence. |
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According to previously released data from 19 police services across Canada, selected criminal incidents were 18% lower overall from March to October 2020, compared with the same period in 2019. Family-related physical assault (-4%) and sexual assault (-10%) were also lower during the first eight months of the pandemic, albeit to a lesser extent, while family-related incidents of uttering threats rose 2%. |
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Physical assault was the most common type of family violence, affecting 7 in 10 (71%) victims. More than half (54%) of child and youth victims of family violence were physically assaulted, as were about three-quarters of senior (72%) and intimate partner (75%) victims of violence. Exposure to domestic violence is a form of child abuse that must be reported to Child and Family Services. |
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During the month of November, we are focussing our attention on raising awareness of intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence. In recognition of the United Nations Day for the Awareness of Violence Against Women on Friday, November 25th, we invite you to join us for our special interest webinar at 12:00pm EST.
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What is Domestic Violence? |
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Domestic violence occurs when people in relationships (current or previously dating, married or living together) use abusive behaviour to control or hurt their partners. Domestic violence can happen to anyone. Women, younger adults, people with disabilities, and recently separated women and men are even more at risk for abuse. One in five women experience some form of abuse in their intimate relationship, and half of all women in Canada have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence since the age of 16. |
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How do you know if it’s happening to you? You could be a victim of domestic violence if someone close to you is:
- Threatening to hurt you, your children, other family members or pets
- Hurting you physically
- Forcing you to have sex or do things that you do not want to do
- Yelling or humiliating you (e.g. calling you names, insulting you)
- Isolating you from friends and family
- Keeping track of your emails, phone calls, and internet use
- Not allowing you food, clothing, medication, or other things you need
- Controlling your finances
- Controlling where you go, or what you do
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Are you still considering
Plan to Protect® membership?
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Don’t put it off any longer!
Our membership prices are increasing as of January 1, 2023. Purchase your membership now and save. With membership, you will gain access to hundreds of policy and procedure statements, best practices, recorded webinars, and email and phone support.
Membership with Plan to Protect® will save you hours of time and reduce your risk of abuse.
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Recommended Reading for November |
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When Dad Hurts Mom
Helping Your Children Heal the Wounds of Witnessing Abuse
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Written by a therapist who specializes in abusive men, this guide reveals how abusers interact with and manipulate children—and how mothers can help their children recover from the trauma of witnessing abuse.
Can my partner abuse me and still be a good parent? Should I stay with my partner for my children's sake? How should I talk to my children about the abuse and help them heal? Am I a bad mother?
Mothers in physically or emotionally abusive relationships ask themselves these questions every day. Whether it’s physical or “just” emotional abuse, whether it’s aimed at them or you, whether they see or hear it, your kids need you.
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This book, the first ever of its kind, shows mothers how to:
• Protect children and help them heal emotionally
• Provide love, support, and positive role models,
even in the midst of abuse
• Increase their chances of winning custody
• Help their kids feel good about themselves
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Education is the key!
We can begin by educating our staff members and volunteers so that they know how to recognize signs of domestic violence and to respond appropriately. We should also be encouraging our staff and volunteers to avoid providing counsel to the victims. An example of poor counsel victims of domestic violence would be to tell them to make changes in their own behaviour with the hope that will combat the abuse, or, to stay and endure the abuse, putting both themselves and their children at greater risk. This is a form of shame and transference of guilt. Alternatively, we have heard of leaders that encourage the partner to confront the abuser, placing them in more danger.
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Remember that domestic violence falls under the criminal code! If children are involved, it is a form of child abuse – and children are to be protected under the law. If you know of a child that is being exposed to domestic violence in the home, this must be reported to Child and Family Services. If the partner that is the victim is willing, it would be wise to have them be involved in reaching out to CFS as they demonstrate their desire and commitment to protect their children. |
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If you learn of a staff member or volunteer that is engaged in domestic violence, consider putting a care plan in place and refer them to a professional counsellor.
If the offender is a volunteer or staff member within your organization, they should be temporarily suspended from their role or benched (put on desk duty) until they receive professional counselling and until there is evidence that their behaviour has changed.
Individuals that have been convicted of violent crimes and crimes against children and youth, should never be placed in a position of trust and leadership.
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Check out our Training in November! |
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November 25, 2022
12:00pm - 1:00pm Eastern Time
Special Interest: Protection of Women
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November 25th is The United Nations' (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is an occasion for governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to raise public awareness of violence against women. It has been observed on November 25th each year since 2000.
Join us as we focus our attention this month on the prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence. Visit our website at the link below for more information.
for details and registration.
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November 9, 2022
3:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern Time Elder Abuse Awareness
A one-hour seminar designed to raise the awareness of Elder Abuse. During this community event, we will learn what Elder Abuse is, how to recognize and respond to it. Everyone is welcome! Let's plan to protect!
for details and registration.
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November 15, 2022
12:30pm - 1:00pm Eastern Time
Learn the basics and standard of Plan to Protect. This is a complimentary webinar. Register to participate LIVE with Q&A time, or to receive access to an instant replay.
for details and registration.
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November 17, 2022
8:00pm - 9:30pm Eastern Time
Great for individuals and groups who need to be refreshed in Plan to Protect® policies and procedures.
for details and registration.
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November 19, 2022
1:00pm - 3:30pm Eastern Time
Join us for this 2 hour orientation training covering awareness of abuse and so much more!
for details and registration.
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December 6, 2022
1:00pm - 3:30pm Eastern Time
We have modified our Plan to Protect® Orientation training for Board Members and Trustees.
for details and registration.
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During the five (5) days of November (November 21-25), leading up to and including BLACK FRIDAY, you will save 25% off all online training.
Save 25% off:
All online training bundles
All of our certification training courses
Individual courses in our school
COUPON CODE: BLACKFRIDAY2022
November 21-25, 2022
Conditions:
- No other discounts can be combined with this offer. Payment must be paid at the point of purchase.
- Purchase now and have six months to activate your course. If you do not activate your course during this time, you will forfeit your purchase.
- Once activated, you will have 30 days to complete the basic courses (Orientation and Refresher) or in the case of our certification courses, the length of the term of the course. See the syllabus for further information.
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Before purchasing, please read our training policies as it relates to refunds, credits and transfers.
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