Abuse or violence that takes place within a domestic household. Can be between romantic partners, roommates, adult siblings, and can take the form of Elder Abuse where an elderly person is being abused by a live-in caretaker.
Specifically abuse or violence between romantic partners (or recent ex-partners) They do NOT need to live together.
Abuse or violence within a romantic relationship where at least one partner is under 18 years old.
Gender-based violence is violence directed against a person because of that person's gender or violence that affects persons of a particular gender (usually female) disproportionately.
Domestic Violence (also called family violence and partner assault) is rarely a one-time occurrence. It usually takes place as part of a cycle that includes the following phases:
Insults and other verbal attacks; minor abusive situations; victim tries to be compliant, “walks on eggshells,” and feels helpless; atmosphere becomes increasingly more oppressive.
Built-up tensions erupt into incidents ranging from severe verbal/emotional abuse to physical/sexual assault and can last from a few minutes to a few days, depending on the relationship. It is during this time that a woman is most likely to be seriously injured or killed by her partner.
Following a violent episode the abuser is usually contrite and attentive; the victim once again recognizes the person she first fell in love with and may be inclined to believe their partner’s promises to change.
Unless there is some form of intervention, the cycle usually repeats itself with the violent episodes escalating in frequency and intensity.
If you answered "Yes" to ANY of the above questions, your relationship might be abusive. Don’t ignore or minimize these warning signs. Get help now. You can call Maison Baldwin House’s 24-hour Crisis Line at 613-938-2958 or 1-800-267-1744
Click on the links below to access resources.
Providing you with a safe shelter and services to start living the life that you deserve.
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