A Crack in the Foundation
Written by Cassie Licari & Dominique Houle on 03/08/10
When someone hurts us – whether physically or emotionally – it can leave a lasting impression. And when this hurt is coming from someone within our own family, the negative feelings we are left with can be much worse. Our family is supposed to be a unit of trust and dependence; we are supposed to feel safe and loved while we are around them. When this bond of trust is broken, it can be extremely hard to repair.
Family violence is abusive behaviour within a family unit that can be physical, sexual and/or emotional/psychological in nature, and can also include neglect. It can happen within any type of relationship in a family, for example; between parents (spouses, partners), between a parent and a child, between children, between a parent and a grandparent, etc. In 2007, around 40,000 police-reported spousal abuse incidences took place and around 1,900 reported assaults were committed against senior citizens. There were also about 53,000 victims of assault who were youth; 3 out of 10 of these assaults toward youth were committed by a family member (Statistics Canada). Family violence can happen in any household, regardless of race, income, education, etc. (Health Canada).
Check out this website to see symptoms of all types of child abuse. Also, for valuable resources and information on family violence, visit the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence website, brought to us by the Government of Canada.
Where You Can Get Help…
Abuse of any kind is wrong and you should know that it’s not your fault, and you are not alone. There are lots of other people who may be going through the same thing you are, and speaking to someone in order to protect yourself or a family member is a courageous thing to do. Talk to a trusted adult such as a teacher, guidance councilor, a friend’s parent or police officer if you or a family member is a victim of violence.
You can also call the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 to talk to someone who can help you step-by-step (it’s toll-free, anonymous and confidential). You can also ask a question to one of their councilors in a safe online forum. For more information on where you can get help, check out this website.
Links
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Statistics Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Department of Justice Canada
Health Canada
National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence
The Canadian Bar Association
It’s Everybody’s Business