Family Violence
We provide programs to help women and children who have experienced family violence. We also help children, youth and families who have been affected by childhood sexual abuse.
Violence happens in all kinds of relationships: dating, common-law, same sex, marriage… even after a relationship has ended. Violence in families can affect children and teens in a variety of ways. It can cause them to hurt others or themselves. Children sometimes become quiet, withdrawn, or prone to being bullied by others. They may have trouble eating, sleeping or concentrating at school. Sometimes children or teens even use drugs or alcohol to cope with the violence they have been exposed to.
Program. Research. Results.
We offer individual and group counselling approaches, including on-site counselling for women and children living in shelters, as well as support for those children to integrate into their new school. We coordinate treatment services for children and youth who have been sexually abused, and their families. We also provide training and support to professionals providing this treatment.
Research has shown that children who witness the abuse of their mothers are just as affected as if they were being physically abused themselves. Many of these children have emotional or behavioural problems, physical complaints, and they often feel sad, angry, guilty or responsible for the violence. And they usually feel very alone.
Exposure to family violence is a risk factor for challenges later on in life. Children who witness domestic violence are more likely to repeat the pattern by becoming an abuser or victim later in life. Teenagers may be more prone to dating violence, or be more accepting of an abusive partner. A large majority of abusive men who participate in group treatment programs report that they witnessed family violence when they were children.
By providing a safe and caring environment to help women and children deal with the negative effects of violence, we are helping to stop this damaging cycle and build positive parent-child relationships.
Family Violence Services are available for children and youth 0-16 and their families.