Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence is an epidemic

Intimate partner violence is incredibly prevalent across Canada. In fact, in York Region it has been declared an epidemic.

According to Statistics Canada, 44 per cent of women who have been in a relationship, and one in three men will experience some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime.

Each year, York Regional Police responds to over 6,000 calls regarding intimate partner violence.

In 2023, a total of 6,862 incidents were reported to YRP. However, we know many incidents of intimate partner violence are underreported.

Intimate partner violence impacts everyone, across demographics, from all walks of life.

If you or someone you love is experiencing intimate partner violence or abuse, you are not alone and resources are available. Contact York Regional Police at 9-1-1 if it is an emergency, or our non-emergency line at 1-866-876-5423.

Abuse is not always physical, in fact it can occur in many forms.

Learn more about the most common types of abuse:

Emotional or psychological abuse

Emotional or psychological abuse can include insults or other tactics to control another person’s actions and thinking.

It often involves frightening, controlling or isolating another person in order to intimidate and control them.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves the intentional or threatened use of physical force to cause injury or trauma to another person.

Physical abuse can include hitting, pushing, cutting and strangulation.

Financial Abuse

Also known as economic abuse, financial abuse involves withholding money, restricting spending and stealing money.

Failing to include a partner in financial decisions is also an example of financial abuse.

Spiritual Abuse

Spiritual abuse involves using a partner’s spiritual beliefs in order to manipulate, dominate or exercise control over them.

Criminal Harassment

Criminal harassment is commonly known as stalking. It involves repeated conduct which makes another person fear for their safety and wellbeing.

Criminal harassment can also include making threats, following, tracking or watching another person, or contacting them repeatedly via the internet, phone calls, texts or emails.

Sexual Violence

Sexual abuse includes sexual acts without consent, threats of repercussions for refusing.

It can also involve forcing someone to watch or participate in the making of pornography and using belittling comments or degrading language.

If you or someone you love is experiencing intimate partner violence or abuse, you are not alone and there are resources that can help.

Learn more about some of the resources available to survivors of intimate partner violence:

The York Region Centre for Community Safety (YRCCS)

YRCCS is a service delivery hub for survivors of IPV, family violence and human trafficking.

YRCCS is a ‘one stop shop’ to access multiple services.

905-836-7601 ext. 100, or toll free at 1-855-541-2220

yrccs.ca

Victim Services of York Region

VSYR provides immediate emotional support, practical assistance, information and referrals to individuals victimized by crime and tragic circumstances.

905-953-5363

victimservices-york.org

The Assaulted Women’s Helpline

A free, anonymous and confidential 24-hour phone and TTY crisis line open to all women in Ontario who experience abuse.

The helpline provides crisis counselling, safety planning, information, referrals and more.

1-866-863-0511

awhl.org

The Women’s Support Network

The WSN provides free, confidential rape crisis and sexual assault supports to women, trans women, youth and gender diverse people who have experienced sexual violence.

It offers a 24-hour crisis and support line, sexual violence counselling, support groups, workshops and more.

1-800-263-6734

womenssupportnetwork.ca

Intimate partner violence may not always be easy to recognize.

Learn more about the warning signs and how you can help someone in an abusive relationship:

I think someone I love is experiencing intimate partner violence. What are the warning signs?

Poor physical health
Depression or anxiety
Trauma or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Feelings of shame or guilt
Increased substance use
Chronic disorders or chronic pain
Gastrointestinal issues due to stress
Unsafe sexual behaviour
Reproductive problems
Low self-esteem
Self harm or suicidal thoughts
Difficulty trusting others
Secrecy
Difficulty maintaining a job
Unexplained changes in behaviour or personality
Becoming withdrawn from friends and family
Becoming uncharacteristically aggressive
Bruises, marks or other physical signs of abuse

I think my partner might be abusive. What are the warning signs?

They put you down
They check-up on you excessively
They isolate you from your friends and family
They won’t allow you to see your loved ones alone
They manipulate or blackmail you
They act as if they own you
They lie to make themselves appear better
They restrict of control your spending
They demand access to your phone, email and social media account

Someone I know is in an abusive relationship. What can I do to help them?

Listen to their concerns and provide emotional support
Tell them the abuse is not their fault
Offer to help in any way you are able, such as offering childcare, transportation or money
Keep in contact with them and check up on them regularly
Help connect them with resources and create a safety plan
Support them regardless of their decision