Relationship 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 Avon Global Center for Women and Justice at Cornell Law School works with judges, legal professionals, governmental and non-governmental organizations to improve access to justice in an effort to eliminate violence against women and girls.

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.

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.

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.

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).

The Distress Centre offers a main crisis and addictions line as well as specialty phone lines providing crisis intervention and information and referral services 24/7, 365 days a year. Short-term crisis counseling is also available in person. 24 hour Crisis Line 403-266-4357.

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.

This service is offered by the Government of Alberta, Family Violence Prevention Unit. Trained staff can help get you to safety and give you information on supports and financial aid. 

If you think someone you know is experiencing family violence, reach out by calling or texting the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818, toll-free 24/7, or using the confidential online chat. Phone services are available in more than 170 languages.

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.

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.

Get mental health support across Canada for kids, teens and young adults. Also serving 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. Available 24 hours a day.

Call 1-800-668-6868

tel:1-800-668-6868

Text CONNECT to 686868

Chat online https://kidshelpphone.ca/urgent-help

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.

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.

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.

The mission of Springtide Resources is to promote healthy and equal relationships by engaging diverse communities in shared educational strategies designed to prevent violence against women and the effect it has on children. Training is provided online and in person. Resources are available for a variety of specific populations including women with disabilities, deaf women, immigrants and the LGBTQ community.

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)

The Fourth R is a consortium of researchers and professionals dedicated to promoting healthy adolescent relationships and reducing risk behaviours. We develop and evaluate programs, resources, and training materials for educators and other front-line professionals who work with youth Fourth R initiatives use best practice approaches to target multiple forms of violence, including bullying, dating violence, peer violence, and group violence.

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)