Abuse and Family Violence

Published by Canadian Centre for Elder Law, this comprehensive resource includes snapshots of the law in each of the thirteen provinces and territories, a comparative table that allows for quick reference, a set of guiding principles for working with vulnerable adults, and sections that discuss mandatory report ing of abuse and neglect, rules around confidentiality of personal and health information, and the relationship between mental capacity and elder abuse. The guide also contains a lengthy list of resource agencies. This PDF (71 pages, 2010) is available for free download.

This publication from Alberta Children and Youth Services (Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying Unit) explains the nature of abuse in LGBTQ intimate relationships. It then describes what you can do if you realize that you are in an abusive LGBTQ relationship or you are concerned about a friend who may be in such a situation. (PDF – 15 pages)

The Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Network is a province-wide network of professionals dedicated to increasing community awareness around elder abuse and the resources available to address it. The network is comprised of representatives from communities across Alberta.

Albertans affected by family violence can get help through the government and community organizations located across the province.

The Government of Alberta is committed to celebrating and supporting all communities, including the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Questioning (LGBTQ) community. There are a number of online programs and support for the LGBTQ community that address issues such as discrimination, bullying, family violence and mental health issues. This page provides links to various programs and services to the LGBTQ community.

The Alberta Seniors and Community Supports department provides information about financial, health-related, and protective services for seniors. This webpage lists the contact information for regional offices. Or call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre Toll-free in Alberta: 1-877-644-9992, Monday to Friday 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This article was prepared for the Centre`s for Excellence for Child-Wellbeing as an overview of child welfare in Alberta.

This infographic informs Albertans about how they can use the Protection Against Family Violence Act (PAFVA) to keep their abuser away. PAFVA protects against family violence including threats, stalking, damage to property, not allowing a family member to leave the home, and physical and sexual abuse. This resource explains the two kinds of protective orders that are available under PAFVA: Emergency Protective Orders and Queen’s Bench Protection Orders. See also: Canadian Legal FAQs – Family Violence

This online resource is from the Student Legal Services of Edmonton. Includes information about: What is Assault?, Intent, Consent, Self-Defence, Legal Options Available to the Victim, and Self-Referral Numbers. This resource is also available for download as a PDF (6 pgs)..

As a provincial umbrella organization, the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services focuses its efforts on raising awareness of issues involving sexual abuse and sexual assault and on ensuring that Albertans have access to help. The member agencies of AASAS are responsible for day-to-day, front-line delivery of services. The AASAS website provides detailed information on the member agencies, current projects, and resources and information on sexual assault in Canada.

An interactive website developed by Alberta Children’s Service to provide information to both parents and children about internet safety and security. It features information and links on a variety of topics, such as online games, chat, web-cams and instant messaging. It also offers parents tips on how to protect their children while using the Internet.

Be Web Aware is a national, bilingual public education program on Internet safety. The initiative was developed and supported by Media Awareness Network (MNet), Bell and Microsoft Canada. The web-based resources are aimed at empowering parents with information so they can help their children make safe and wise online decisions. It’s all part of helping young Canadians benefit from the opportunities of the Internet while minimizing the potential risks.

Beyond Borders is a national, bilingual, volunteer organization advancing the rights of children everywhere to be free from sexual abuse and exploitation. We are a registered charity without political or religious affiliation.Beyond Borders is the Canadian representative of ECPAT International, a global network of more than 80 groups in 75 countries.

Calgary Counselling Centre is a charitable organization committed to providing compassionate, professional, and affordable counselling services to Calgarians. They offer counselling and group programs for individuals, couples, parents, families, and youth to help them resolve emotional and social problems. In addition to its may group and individual program services the Centre also offers a Male Domestic Abuse Outreach Program which provides counselling, advocacy, social service referrals (housing, financial aid, legal guidance, support) to men and their families experiencing domestic abuse of all forms.

The Calgary Domestic Violence Collective’s  purpose is threefold: to develop capacity to address domestic violence for professionals and allied professionals; to inform and influence decision makers around a framework for ending domestic violence; to ensure a collaborative and coordinated community response to domestic violence in Calgary and Area. Their website includes research reports on a variety of aspects of domestic violence. (Former name: Alliance to End Violence)

CSRS Outreach Workers assist seniors with pensions and benefits, housing and home care support, or personal/family crisis. Other programs include Escorted Transportation, Assited Shopping and Friendly Visiting.

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection is a charitable organization dedicated to the personal safety of all children. Their goal is to reduce child victimization by providing programs and services to Canadians. They help create public awareness regarding issues like child sexual abuse. Their programs include: Kids in the Know Safety Program, Cybertip.ca and the annual, national Missing & Exploited Children Conference.

CCAA is supports professionals, communities, victims and witnesses involved in the investigation of child abuse through the development and delivery of educational products and services; promotion of a coordinated, interdisciplinary approach to child abuse investigations; identification and response to key issues and concerns of child abuse investigators; advocacy for excellence and professionalism in the investigation of child abuse; promotion of the well-being of children and families going through the investigative process; provision of professional training and research.

This Portal is designed to provide child welfare professionals, researchers, and the general public with a single point of access to Canadian child welfare research. The Portal includes a searchable data base of Canadian research publications, a data base of Canadian researchers, and information and statistics about provincial, territorial, aboriginal and national child welfare policies, legislation and programs.

Who are we? The answer, in brief, is a group of volunteers working in Toronto to preserve lesbian and gay history in Canada and beyond. We’ve been at it since 1973. And we’re organized to continue this work — and preserve that history — long into the future.

The CNPEA is a national non-profit organization focused on elder abuse prevention and response. They connect people and organizations; foster the exchange of reliable information; and advance program and policy development on issues related to preventing abuse of older adults.

Relationship violence can strike anyone, but teenagers are particularly vulnerable to misconceptions about what physical and emotional violence are, and what they mean. If it hurts, dominates or controls, it’s not romance! This page from the Red Cross provides links to publications about relationship violence, what is is, what parents can do, and information about what is healthy and unhealthy in relationships.

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre is a voluntary, non-profit organization serving the Central Alberta region. The CASASC educates, supports and empowers individuals, families and communities regarding all aspects of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault.

The Central Alberta Women’s Outreach Society provides basic needs and emotional support for individuals as well as providing education and support in specific areas such as domestic violence, family law, and the effects of crisis on families. To speak with a domestic violence support worker, call 1-866-347-2480.

The Central Alberta Women’s Outreach Society provides basic needs and emotional support for individuals as well as providing education and support in specific areas such as domestic violence, family law, and the effects of crisis on families. The Society offers a legal information and referrals program. This program provides legal information and referrals to individuals as they navigate through the legal and judicial system.  Their staff will assist clients to identify legal issues and prioritize legal needs.

The Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System (formerly the London Family Court Clinic) is a non-profit social service agency helping children and families involved with the justice system as victims of crime, witnesses of crime, parties in custody disputes, subjects of child protection proceedings, litigants in civil suits for compensation, teenagers in therapeutic care settings, or youthful offenders. They are known especially for their grounded approach to understanding and helping children exposed to domestic violence. The Centre strives to advance understanding through research that identifies the needs of children and families and the effectiveness of interventions.

This section of the Government of Alberta: Children and Families website offers services, supports and resources to protect children and youth from harmful situations.

This paper from the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence explains what child sexual abuse is, presents prevalence statistics, and identifies risk factors and possible symptoms of child sexual abuse. Included are strategies for sensitive intervention and prevention initiatives. This PDF (15 pages, 2006) is available for free download.

This booklet provides information on the Alberta Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act and explains what happens when someone calls Child and Family Services on their family.

This online resource is from the Student Legal Services of Edmonton. Includes information about: What is the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act?; General Information; Appeals; Frequently Asked Questions. This resource is also available for download as a PDF.

Community Initiatives Against Family Violence (CIAFV) is committed to strengthening Edmonton’s capacity to take constructive action against family violence and bullying using innovative strategies that will support the creation of a collaborative, coordinated, community response to family violence and bullying.

Connect provides confidential 24-hour phone support and in-person services by appointment for people with questions about unhealthy or abusive relationships or sexual assault. Their website provides information on these topics, or call: Support Line: 403-237-5888 (Calgary area) or Toll-Free (in Alberta): 877-237-5888. They pledge to listen, suggest solutions and connect you with a network of people and agencies who can help – when you’re ready.

The Women’s Resource Centre was born on March 10, 1984 with goals of referring women to the appropriate agencies to gain assistance, as well as having drop-in hours. The Centre has a resource library, implements social programs and assists those in need through their thrift store and various services.

This publication from Alberta Children and Youth Services ((Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying Unit) explains how you can tell the difference between a healthy relationship and an unhealthy or abusive one. It also discusses how you can stay safe in the dating scene and still have fun, as well as what you can do if you find yourself in an abusive dating situation or how to help a friend in such a situation.

Information from the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence (Public Health Agency of Canada).

Resource guide produced by the Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (SAGE). Considered the industry standard for information resources related to older adults in greater Edmonton. It includes information about over 300+ services, agencies and businesses that serve the older adults of greater Edmonton.

You may obtain the kit which contains the forms required, plus information on how to get the process started from most stationary stores and also the Queen’s Printer Bookstore located in Edmonton and Calgary. Note: The item must be ordered; it cannot be downloaded.

This handbook is a compilation of the research, best practices, and knowledge that experts in the area of family violence would agree are essential to effective response by the criminal justice system.

The Elder Abuse Intervention Team is a collaboration of the Edmonton Police Service, The City of Edmonton Community Services, Catholic Social Services and Victorian Order of Nurses. Their mission is to prevent and respond to elder abuse by working in partnership with the community, thereby enhancing the well being of older adults.

The Centre provides group treatment, counselling, advocacy, and education to reduce the incidents of family violence and increase awareness and understanding of family violence and its impact.

These FAQs are provided by Canadian Legal FAQs, a website of the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta. The questions are divided into three sections: What is Elder Abuse?; What can I do if I, or someone I care about, is being abused?; and How do I plan for the future and avoid abuse?

gThis section of the Government of Alberta: Family Violence website is dedicated to the prevention of family violence and bullying. The page provides activities and resources to help prevent family violence and domestic violence, and support healthy relationships.

A series of publications from the Department of Justice Canada about family violence, including stalking and criminal harassment. Several are available in multiple languages.

The FREDA Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and Children is a joint collaboration between academics at Simon Fraser University and community and women’s organizations working at the grass-roots level. The FREDA Centre is committed to participatory action research, focused specifically on violence against women and children, and works in the interests of the community to end this violence.

HomeFront is a non-profit organization that collaborates with the justice system, police and community partners to reduce domestic violence in Calgary and the surrounding area. Clients are referred through the Calgary Police Service and are supported with case management, court support and connection to appropriate resources.

The Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous people across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are reachable by telephone and online ‘chat’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Telephone support is available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Online Chat services are only available in English and French.

Information for youth about youth in care. This area of Alberta’s Child and Youth Advocate website offers information and tips that may assist with advocating for yourself or others who are getting help from Alberta Human Services under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act (Enhancement Act), or the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act (PSECA).

Information for youth about youth in care. This area of Alberta’s Child and Youth Advocate website offers information and tips that may assist with advocating for yourself or others who are getting help from Alberta Human Services under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act (Enhancement Act), or the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act (PSECA).

Ensure you, and specifically children, have the information needed to develop safe online surfing habits.

This website has information about elder abuse, with brochures and videos on these topics: What You Can Do When Abuse or Neglect Is Happening to an Older Adult in Your Life, How You Can Identify Abuse and Help Older Adults at Risk, and  What You Can Do to Keep Yourself Safe from Abuse

Kids in the Know is the Canadian Centre for Child Protection’s interactive safety education program designed for students from Kindergarten to Grade 9. The purpose of the program is to help educators teach children and youth effective personal safety strategies in an engaging, age-appropriate and interactive way that builds resiliency skills and reduces their likelihood of victimization in the online and offline world.

The Latin American Community Council and MOSAIC, in partnership, have implemented this online multilingual legal resource to provide comprehensive and critical legal information in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese to Canadian newcomers and community workers in British Columbia.

The establishment of the NACAFV is in the spirit of Aboriginal people taking responsibility and ownership for addressing the issues surrounding family violence. The NACAFV can serve many stakeholders by acting as a national clearinghouse for on-the-ground information, by developing standards and training programs. NACAFV as an organization has its basis in a consultative process that respects and recognizes Aboriginal knowledge as necessary for the effective provision of family violence intervention and prevention to Aboriginal peoples.

The NCECC functions as the point of contact for investigations related to the sexual exploitation of children on the Internet in Canada.

NICE is an international network of researchers, practitioners and students dedicated to improving the care of older adults, both in Canada and abroad.

The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is a National Indigenous Organization representing the political voice of Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people in Canada, inclusive of First Nations on and off reserve, status and non-status, disenfranchised, Métis and Inuit. NWAC works on a variety of issues such as employment, labour and business, health, violence prevention and safety, justice and human rights, environment, early learning childcare and international affairs.

Prairieaction Foundation raises and grants funds: To sustain a prairie research network that seeks Research and Education for Solutions to Violence and Abuse (RESOLVE) and to support national community partnerships pursuing the same goal.

Project Respect is a prevention program for youth ages 14 to 19 , based in Victoria BC, that aims to stop sexual violence, particularly acquaintance assault. “Date Rape” as it is commonly referred to, is a serious risk for youth. Project Respect challenges the attitudes and behaviours that lead to sexual violence: stereotypes, labels, miscommunication, drugs and alcohol, media pressure and power imbalance.

In August 2016, the Residential Tenancies (Safer Spaces for Victims of Domestic Violence) Amendment Act, Termination of Tenancy (Domestic Violence) Regulation, and amendments to the RTA Ministerial Regulation, were proclaimed. These changes to the RTA allow victims of domestic violence to end a tenancy early and without financial penalty. This legislation applies in cases where if the tenancy continues: •  The tenant’s safety is at risk; •  A dependant child’s safety is at risk; or •  A protected adult’s safety is at risk.

Responding to Child Abuse in Alberta: A Handbook , provides guidelines around the reporting and investigation of child abuse, with the goal of ensuring the safety and well being of Alberta’s children. The handbook was jointly developed by the Ministers of Health and Wellness, Education, Children’s Services, Justice and Attorney General, and Solicitor General and Public Security, in consultation with organizations and professionals that provide services for children.This handbook covers:     how to recognize abuse and neglect, how to respond to a disclosure of abuse or neglect from a child, how to report abuse and neglect and intervene, how investigations are undertaken and the role of service providers, the rules governing the sharing of information among service providers, and the importance of collaboration among all those working with children and families

Sagesse assists women who have experienced domestic violence or are at risk of being abused. They empower individuals, organizations and communities to break the cycle of domestic violence by curating environments to heal and lead safe, healthy lives . The literal translation of Sagesse is wisdom.The agency encourages the wisdom to seek help, to support and connect, to share knowledge, to self-reflect, and lastly, to create space for healing, learning, and growth.

This manual published by RESOLVE Alberta provides an inventory and evaluation of violence prevention programs designed for schools. Sections include:  bullying and conflict resolution; sexual harassment; child sexual abuse; child abuse; sexual exploitation; dating violence; and sexual assault. It also looks at special programs for children with disabilities and aboriginal children. Although it is somewhat dated, the text provides valuable background on violence and violence prevention programming. (PDF – 313 pages, 2005)

This handbook from Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre provides information on a range of legal subjects of interest to seniors (people who are 65 years of age and older). It is written in “plain English” and is intended as a basic resource for seniors, their friends, relatives and advocates. In a question-answer format, the handbook provides an overview of issues facing seniors, including abuse, mental health, guardianship and trusteeship, personal directives, powers of attorney and consumer protection. Includes a glossary and list of senior-serving agencies in Alberta. (PDF – 150 pages, 2010)

SAGE is a full service not-for-profit seniors’ organization whose mandate is to build and maintain a broad range of programs and services that enhance the quality of life for seniors and their families in the greater Edmonton area. With over 37 years of experience, SAGE is regarded as a major provider of innovative seniors’ services in the capital region.

The Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton is a feminist-based not-for-profit charitable organization that supports children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced sexual abuse or assault, and educates the public about sexual violence.

The Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre (SKCAC) is a non-profit organization that, together with their partners, takes a leadership role to advance the way our country understands and addresses child abuse. They work with their partner organizations to provide wrap-around services to assess, investigate, intervene, and support survivors of child abuse while bringing offenders to justice.

The Canadian Network of Women’s Shelters and Transition Houses new online resource which provides women and their children with a one stop connection to help in their community.

This pamphlet from the Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick examines spanking, a form of physical discipline known as corporal punishment. The purpose of this pamphlet is to review recent Court decisions on the use physical discipline towards children by parents and guardians. It provides general information on the topic and discusses Section 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada.

This online publication from Department of Justice Canada describes the nature of stalking and ways of dealing with it. It can also be downloaded as a PDF and is available in four different languages (French, Mandarin, Punjabi and Spanish) by using the “Back to Publications” link and scrolling down the page (PDF – 20 pgs. 2003)

This online tutorial created by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta provides information about the structure of a trial after making a criminal complaint.

This website from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection has been created to provide you with a one-stop-shop on all things related to Internet safety. The Canadian Centre for Child Protection is committed to helping parents, teachers, and anyone else who would like to better understand the good, bad, and ugly about the web.

This site offers a number of publications for people who are working in the area of family violence prevention for Aboriginal communities – both on- and off-reserve. The website is a joint initiative of Gignoo Transition House Inc. and Public Legal Education Service of New Brunswick and is designed for use across Canada.

Canada has a broad definition of sexual assault. It includes all unwanted sexual activity, such as unwanted sexual grabbing, kissing, and fondling as well as rape. This webpage developed by the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund provides an overview of the law about consent in sexual assault cases.

The Support Network is located in Edmonton, Alberta, and provides community information services, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention. Its help lines are free, anonymous, confidential, and available every hour, every day. Help is also available in person and online. 24-Hour Distress Line: 780-482-HELP(4357)

Today Family Violence Help Centre is an Edmonton based, non-profit organization that offers a safe place for individuals victimized by family violence to access free, confidential, emotional and practical support. Today Centre provides short-term support through risk assessment, safety planning, assessment of immediate needs, and supported referrals.

This service of the Kerby Centre for the 55 Plus in Calgary focuses on providing answers and solving problems. Information is available on topics such as pensions, legal issues, government services, grants, home help, consumer affairs, transportation, congratulatory messages, and much more.

United Cultures of Canada Association is a non-profit community based organization located in Edmonton, Alberta. It provides a variety of program and services to Edmonton’s multicultual community. Their mandate is to create situations of social inclusion for immigrant communities leading to their effective participation and successful integration into Canadian society. Included in the many initiatives offered by the Association are services, programs and publications on that provide information on human rights, residential tenancies, domestic abuse, interpreting services and a free Multicultural Family Law Facilitation (Interpreting) Service.  This free service is provided to ensure equal access to justice for those who are experiencing language barriers and assist service providers and newcomer communities in family law matters, UCCA provides on-site and phone legal interpreting in a number of lanaguages.

United Cultures of Canada Association is a non-profit community based organization located in Edmonton, Alberta. It provides a variety of program and services to Edmonton’s multicultual community. Their mandate is to create situations of social inclusion for immigrant communities leading to their effective participation and successful integration into Canadian society. Included in the many initiatives offered by the Association are publications on human rights, domestic abuse, interpreting services and a free Multicultural Family Law Facilitation (Interpreting) Service

The Victim Justice Network is a non-profit national organization whose mission is to establish an online-based network to better serve and support victims of crime. One of its objectives is to promote public awareness and public education on issues of importance to victims of crime.

Developed by the Native Women’s Association of Canada the toolkit provides Aboriginal women with community safety planning resources to address domestic violence. The toolkit also includes a Who’s Who: Domestic Violence Resource Guide of services available to Aboriginal women in every province and territory.