November is Family Violence Prevention Month

Alberta has the third highest rate of self-reported spousal violence among Canadian provinces and as we recognize Family Violence Prevention Month each November, it’s important to gain a more in depth understanding of what family violence looks like. 

This multifaceted issue is described as an abuse of power in a relationship where people rely on each other and is typically most common between spouses. 

However, family violence also reaches many other types of relationships including between elders and caregivers, siblings, and witnesses of family violence. It can also take a number of forms.

  • Physical abuse is usually the easiest to detect due to bruises and other injuries. Most other forms are often invisible. 

  • Verbal abuse is also known as emotional and psychological abuse. This includes: threats of harm, suicide, deportation and kidnapping children; withholding physical affection and emotional support from a pregnant woman; and depreciating the self-worth, choices, connections and beliefs of a person.

  • Sexual abuse ranges from forcing unwanted sexual interactions to refusing to use contraceptives/condoms.

  • Spiritual abuse looks like: the depreciation of spiritual beliefs, as well as the prevention of someone taking part in their preferred spiritual practices.

  • Financial abuse can range from: limiting access to shared finances, to preventing a dependent from accessing an income by finding work; spending shared income without consent; running up debts or selling personal possessions without permission; and destroying personal or shared property.

  • Neglect is described as: failing to ensure the safety, emotional support and basic needs of dependents.

  • Stalking looks like: contacting friends, family and coworkers in an attempt to spy on someone; following them around, watching the places they live or work; and unwanted communication.

  • Control, forced isolation or confinement ranges from: keeping someone a prisoner in their own home, to controlling their access to resources, as well as abandonment outside of the home.

It comes with many signs

People affected by family violence may cope differently. Some of the common warning signs include:

  • Withdrawing from family and friends, low mood, and lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy.

  • In children and youth, this may look more like: running away from the home, taking on adult responsibilities, acting aggressively towards others, or withdrawing from others altogether.

  • Older adults may seem frightened, withdrawn or depressed, groggy due to potentially being over-medicated, seeming too thin, or be poorly dressed.

For more information on how to spot the warning signs, you can find a complete list of what to look out for here. 

Knowing where to turn

There are many ways we can help put an end to the cycle of family violence for good. Building awareness is an important part. The province has put together a #WhereToTurn campaign on social media and is encouraging people to learn more and help lead the conversation. 

There are also resources available to download here:

SOS also offers a number of services to help provide health and wellness support. This includes a wide range of counselling services, grief and loss workshops, and everything in between. 

The SOS 24/7 Crisis line is for Northern Albertans in the The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. It is confidential, anonymous, and non-judgemental: 780-743-HELP (4357)

Whether you need one-on-one support, a family conversation or a support group, we are here for you.

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