Family and Intimate Partner Violence Guide
Family Violence
In Canada, Family Violence is considered to be any form of abuse – physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse, mistreatment or neglect that a child or adult experiences from a family member, or from someone with whom they have an intimate relationship. It may include a single act of violence, or a number of acts that form a pattern of abuse.
In Canada, women and men have the same legal status and rights and violence against women and children is against the law. Everyone in Canada is entitled to legal protection to keep them safe. It is a basic human right in Canada to be free of abuse and from fear of abuse in relationships. These are the rights of everyone, including some of the most vulnerable in our society – women, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Even though Canada has strict laws in place for everyone’s safety, family violence remains a common and widespread problem in Canada. To learn more about family violence in Canada, please visit the Government of Canada website www.justice.gc.ca.
There are many organizations helping parents and children in the province.
Victims of Abuse
Any member of a family can be a victim of abuse.
- Women – Violence against women is an ongoing problem in Canada. Women are the most likely victims of family or relationship violence. Statistics say that 83% of all police reported domestic assaults are against women and this pattern is consistent for every province and territory across Canada.
- Children – In Canada, everyone has a legal obligation to report the suspected abuse of a child or youth to ensure children are protected from harm. This includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect of a child. The toll-free line to report concerns in Newfoundland and Labrador is 1 (833)-552-2368. The Department of Social Supports and Well Being is required to investigate whether a child is in need of protective intervention. Once an investigation is completed, if a child is found to be in need of protective intervention, the Department will take the necessary steps to protect the child as a result of their investigation, including removing the child from their home, if deemed necessary.
- Seniors/People with Disabilities – Abuse is against the law in Canada. Some common types of elder abuse include physical, psychological, and financial abuse and can include neglect and humiliation. As well, people with disabilities, including any person with an intellectual challenge, mental illness or physical disability has the right to be free from abuse. The Adult Protection Act is the law in Newfoundland and Labrador which protects adults who do not understand or appreciate the risk of abuse and neglect. The Adult Protection Act phone number to report abuse is 1 (855) 376-4957 or call your local police station.
- Men – Violence against men can also happen. It is important for men to know that they are not alone, that violence against them in any form is wrong and that there are resources and supports available.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) & Gender-based Violence (GBV) Guide
What is GBV?
Gender-based violence (GBV) is experiencing violence because of your gender, perceived gender, or gender identity. It can be in the form of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
What is IPV?
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a form of gender-based violence where harm is caused by a former or current partner/spouse that is characterized by a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control.
More information can be found here:
www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/gender-based-violence/intimate-partner-violence.html
GBV AND IPV is a violation of human rights and is against the law.
Signs of IPV & GBV
- Coercion or manipulation
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Economic abuse
- Physical abuse
- Reproductive coercion
- Sexual violence
- Spiritual abuse
- Financial abuse
- Cyber violence
- Neglect
If you’re experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) or gender-based violence (GBV), the information below can help guide you through your next steps.
IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
Next a police officer will come to your location and investigate the situation.
If the police officer believes there is physical evidence of GBV such as property damage, physical/sexual assault, or homicide, the police officer will arrest the person causing GBV.
If a child is present in a situation where there is violence, the police officer will complete a child protection report.
If the person is charged
If the person causing GBV is charged with a crime, they must follow the Canadian criminal justice system and the orders they are given. This might involve:
- Being held in custody or jail
- Being released with conditions or rules they are required to follow
- Appearing in court to determine if they are guilty
The Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act (Clare’s Law)
Clare’s Law gives people at risk of intimate partner violence a way to get information about their intimate partner to make informed choices about their safety. This is a free service. Those applying must:
- Live in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Be in a current or former intimate partner relationship
- Have a reason for requesting the information, such as a concern for their safety or wellbeing
- Must be willing to speak with the police to receive information about their risk.
Under the Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act, there are two ways information can be shared:
1. The Right to Ask means that members of the public can apply for the disclosure of information about their risk for interpersonal violence through the RNC or RCMP.
2. The Right to Know is when a member of the RNC or RCMP proactively discloses information directly to a person at risk of intimate partner violence. If the police become aware that someone is at risk of intimate partner violence from a current or former partner, the police are empowered to provide information directly to that person.
More information can be found here: www.gov.nl.ca/clareslaw/files/Clares-Law-Fact-Sheet.pdf
RNC Email: [email protected]
RCMP Email: BdivSpecialVictimSection-UniteSpecialiseePourVictimes@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Clare’s Law Application: apps.gov.nl.ca/clareslaw/Form/Form/edit/?template_id=2715532
IF URGENT, BUT NOT AN EMERGENCY
- Connect with available resources in your area
- Begin Safety Planning and preparation
- Become informed about the court process
- Know your options for Immigration
Available Resources:
1) Domestic Violence Help Line
You will speak with a trained professional who will assist you with the appropriate service or organization in the community, including women’s centres, Violence Prevention NL organizations, government departments, or medical and policing services. This service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
CALL OR TEXT: 1-888-709-7090
2) Intimate Partner Violence Unit
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary’s Intimate Partner Violence Unit (IPVU) is a team of dedicated officers trained to assist and support victims of intimate partner violence, by advising on available resources, criminal investigation information, and court process support.
Non-emergency assistance number: 1-709-729-8000
Email: [email protected]
3) The Journey Project
You can connect with a team of legal support navigators who offer legal information and system navigation to survivors and/or victims of intimate partner violence. The legal support navigator may provide criminal justice system and medical system navigation as well as support interactions with law enforcement. The navigator can also connect you with other community resources, organizations, and trusted professionals.
The Journey Project Legal Support Service (JPLSS) provides participants with at least 4 hours of free legal advice from a lawyer.
Further information can be located through the following:
Website: journeyproject.ca
Phone: 709-722-2805
Email: [email protected]
4) Marguerite’s Place
From the comfort and safety of their own apartments, Marguerite’s Place supports women (including both cis and trans women) and gender diverse people who are working toward living in community. Marguerite’s Place is not a shelter, but rather, is supportive housing designed to meet the needs of single women and gender-diverse people over the age of 30, without dependents in their care, living on low income, and facing barriers to stable housing.
Contact: Reception
Email: [email protected]
5) Transitional House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (THANL)
The Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is a voluntary, non-profit community-based organization whose mandate is to strengthen and support the network of provincially funded shelters and services for women – with or without children – affected by relationship violence.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 709-739-6759
6) Safe Harbour Outreach Project (SHOP)
The Safe Harbour Outreach Project (SHOP) is a community hub for current and former sex workers located in St. John’s. They create space for sex workers to connect to practical resources in the community and to get free safer sex and drug use supplies. SHOP strives to be a reliable and safe space for sex workers to come together. They provide community education to build knowledge, understanding and respect for who sex workers are and the work they do. Sex work is any work, in person or online, that involves the trade of sexuality, erotic performance, or sex acts for money, goods or services. Alongside global allies, SHOP advocates for the full decriminalization of sex work.
Contact: Jess Thornhill, SHOP Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
7) Iris Kirby House
Iris Kirby House opened in 1981 to provide shelter and a safe haven for women and children who are experiencing intimate partner violence. Iris Kirby House provides a safe home to abused women from all walks of life – with support and the opportunity to explore alternatives to living in an abusive intimate relationship.
Iris Kirby House
Local: 709-753-1492
Toll Free: 1-877-753-1492
St. John’s, NL
O’Shaughnessy House
Local: 709-596-8709
Toll Free: 1-888-596-8709
Carbonear, NL
8) End Sexual Violence NL
They are a non-profit, community-based, charitable organization that exists to support individuals of all genders who have been impacted by sexual violence.
15 Hallett Cres Suite 101, St. John’s, NL, A1B 4C4
Office Phone: 709-747-7757
Fax: 709-747-7758
24 Hour Support and Information Line:
1-800-726-2743
9) Blue Door
The Blue Door is a St. John’s based program that is operated through Thrive. Blue Door is designed to support individuals, primarily between the ages of 14-29, who have experiences in the sex trade, including sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, and are looking for support.
Kerri Rowe
Phone: 709-754-0536 ext. 209
Email: [email protected]
Yvonne McDermott
Phone: 709-754-0536 ext. 209
Email: [email protected]
10) CASEY
CASEY is comprised of a group of concerned professionals and experiential voices in the community that work together to address issues pertaining to the sexual exploitation of youth. We are the only organization in the province with the mandate of addressing the sexual exploitation of youth.
Need support? Call or text 709-771-1706 or 709-853-6214. This phone is checked Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30pm.
Casey Coordinator
Nicole Deveau
Phone: 709-754-0536 ext. 203
CASEY Youth Prevention Coordinator
Roze Fazli
Phone: 709-754-0536 ext. 203
Safety Planning:
It is important to have a safety plan so that you can be prepared if you continue to experience GBV.
This plan should include:
- Being prepared with items you will need to leave quickly
- A way to contact people you trust
- Having a safe place to go such as a shelter or residence of a trusted person
- Knowing emergency numbers and services that can help you
Items to Keep in a Safe Place if you Need to Leave Quickly:
- Bank cards and money
- Birth certificate and passport
- Driver’s license
- Social Insurance Number
- Health card and Medications
- Lease/mortgage documents
- Change of clothes
- Immigration papers
- Work permits
- Divorce documents