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Domestic abuse/violence is a pervasive and often hidden problem in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men will experience domestic abuse/violence in their lifetimes.
Abuse at home is more common than many people think, and it is never your fault. It may be time to reach out when someone close to you makes you feel afraid, controlled or hurt.
Feeling afraid of how someone at home will react
Watching what you say to avoid a fight
Being put down, yelled at or called names
Someone checking your phone, money or where you go
Being pushed, hit, grabbed or threatened
Feeling cut off from friends and family
Being pressured into sex or touch you do not want
Blaming yourself for how you are treated
How counselling helps
What working on it together looks likeHow counselling helps
Early on
Understand what happened
Your counsellor listens without judgment. Together you name the patterns of control or harm, and you see that it was not your fault.
As you go
Ease the fear
You practise ways to calm fear, panic and stress in your body. You decide what to share and when, at your own pace.
Over time
Move forward
Together you rebuild trust in yourself and your choices. You work toward the relationships and the life you want, on your own terms.
Where
In person in Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey, or onlineWhere
Domestic Abuse/Violence: Breaking the Silence and Seeking Support
Domestic abuse/violence is a pervasive and often hidden problem in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men will experience domestic abuse/violence in their lifetimes.
What is Domestic Abuse/Violence?
Domestic abuse/violence can take many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse. It can happen between partners, family members, or other individuals who live together. Domestic abuse/violence is often about power and control and can involve threats, isolation, and manipulation.
Domestic abuse/violence is never acceptable and can have significant impacts on individuals' physical and mental health, as well as their relationships, work, and overall well-being.
Examples and Statistics in Canada
In Canada, domestic abuse/violence is a widespread issue that affects individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Here are some statistics and examples to help paint a picture of the problem:
According to a 2018 survey, 54% of Canadians know someone who has experienced domestic abuse/violence.
In 2019, police reported over 97,000 domestic abuse/violence incidents in Canada, with women being the victims in over 70% of cases.
Indigenous women in Canada are significantly more likely to experience domestic abuse/violence than non-Indigenous women.
Domestic abuse/violence can happen in any community, regardless of socio-economic status, race, or religion.
Breaking the Silence and Seeking Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse/violence, it's essential to know that help is available. No one deserves to live in fear or be subjected to abuse/violence, and there are many resources and services that can help.
At No Fear Counselling, we offer support and counselling for individuals and families impacted by domestic abuse/violence. Our team of mental health professionals can help you navigate the complex emotions and challenges associated with abuse/violence and develop strategies for staying safe and moving forward.
Additionally, there are many resources available across Canada for individuals impacted by domestic abuse/violence, including crisis hotlines, shelters, and legal support services. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse/violence, don't hesitate to reach out for help.
Together, we can work towards breaking the silence around domestic abuse/violence and creating a world where everyone feels safe and respected in their homes and relationships.
You do not need to be sure before you talk to a counsellor. Abuse is not only hitting: it can also be threats, name-calling, control over money or who you see, or unwanted sexual contact. If you often feel afraid, watched or small around someone close to you, our counsellors can help you make sense of it.
If you are in danger, call 911. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8, or call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433). You do not need to wait for a session to get help. Counselling is for ongoing support, and it is not an emergency service.
Yes, you can meet with a counsellor online from anywhere in BC, or in person at one of our offices. Online sessions can help if it is hard to travel or get time away. You and your counsellor can talk about what feels private and safe enough for you.
No, you can share as much or as little as you like. In the first session, your counsellor asks what brings you in and what you hope for, and you choose what to talk about. Some people start with how they feel today, such as stress, sleep or worry, before they talk about what happened.
No, you do not need to leave or make any big decision to start counselling. Your counsellor will not tell you what to do. Together you look at what is happening, how it affects you and what choices feel right for you, at your own pace.