In Canada, domestic violence is defined as any form of physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse, mistreatment, or neglect experienced by a child or adult by a family member or someone with whom they have an intimate relationship. It can be a single act of violence or a series of acts that form a pattern of abuse. In Canada, women and men have equal legal status and rights, and violence against women and children is against the law. Everyone in Canada is entitled to legal protection to protect themselves. It is also criminal lawyer mississauga to be free from abuse and fear of abuse in relationships. These are the rights of everyone, including some of the most vulnerable women, children, seniors and people with disabilities in our society.

Although Canada has enacted strict laws to keep everyone safe, domestic violence remains a widespread problem in Canada. To learn more about domestic violence in Canada. Many organizations in the province help parents and children.

ANC’s Parenting Across Cultures

Developed by and for newly arriving parents to support them in raising their children, this ANC workshop programme offers advice on proper discipline, child safety, risk prevention, parental self-care and proper supervision, among others. The two-session presentation is designed to provide newly arriving parents with a welcoming and safe social network to share their experiences and collectively explore culturally appropriate strategies to meet Canadian parenting norms and expectations.

Victims of Abuse

Any family member can be a victim of abuse.

  • Women– Violence against women is an ongoing problem in Canada. Women are the most common victims of violence in the family or in relationships. Statistics show that 83% of all domestic assaults reported by the police are against women, which holds true for all provinces and territories across Canada.
  • Children— In Canada, everyone must report a suspected abuse of a child or young person to protect children from harm. This includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse and neglect of a child. The toll-free number to report a concern in Newfoundland and Labrador is 1 (833)-552-2368. The Department of Children, Seniors, and Social Development needs to investigate whether a child needs protective intervention. If, following the completion of an investigation, it is determined that a child needs protective intervention, the Department will take the necessary steps to protect the child due to its investigation, including removing the child from their home if deemed necessary.
  • Seniors/People with Disabilities– Abuse is against the law in Canada. Some common types of elder abuse include physical, psychological, and financial abuse and can include neglect and humiliation. Likewise, people with disabilities, including anyone with an intellectual challenge, mental illness or physical disability, have the right to be free from abuse. The Adult Protection Act in Newfoundland and Labrador protects adults who don't understand or appreciate the risk of abuse and neglect. The Adult Protection number to report abuse is 1 (855) 376-4957, or call your local police department.
  • Men– Violence against men can also occur. Men must know they are not alone, that violence against them is wrong, and that resources and support exist.

Organizations in NL that can Help

If you are in danger and need immediate assistance, please call 911 or Anderson House. In addition, several organizations in NL are working to prevent domestic violence, help victims and educate the community about the issues of abuse in families and relationships.

The Domestic Violence Help Line

This province-wide, toll-free number, 1-888-709-7090, recognizes the region the caller is in and instantly puts them through to one of the ten transitional homes that are part of the Newfoundland and Labrador Transitional Home Association. The caller can then speak immediately to a best criminal lawyer toronto who will assist them directly or put them through to the appropriate service or organization in the community, including women's centres, Newfoundland and Labrador violence prevention organizations, government agencies, or medical and police services. The Domestic Violence Hotline is also fully text-enabled, providing an additional avenue for those in need to reach out for help. The helpline will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

Since 1987, “THANL” has provided member organizations with advice, training, research and community awareness initiatives. THANL is a powerful collective voice seeking equality in Newfoundland and Labrador province. We advocate for the financial support needed to operate and furnish new Transitional Homes, participate in local anti-violence activities, and provide regular networking opportunities for employees and management.

Due to the criminal, social and cyclical nature of violence against women, THANL believes that all levels of government and society must share responsibility for eliminating violence. Therefore, we are committed to the quest for equality in partnership with all interested in working to eliminate violence in our province and around the world.

Marguerite’s Place Supportive Housing

Marguerite's Place supports women to achieve independence from the comfort and protection of their own homes. We take a trauma-informed, holistic approach and have 24/7 on-site staff available. In addition, we provide women with tools and knowledge to build healthy relationships, skills and community connections to overcome challenges and crises.

The women participate in a weekly meal and get-together to promote a sense of community. In addition, women work with our housing support staff to develop personal support plans. Referrals are made to community services in support of these plans. Individuals are encouraged to participate in any St. John's Women's Centre programs.

Safe Harbour Outreach Project

The Safe Harbor Outreach Project is the only sex worker advocacy program in Newfoundland and Labrador. Her mission is to advocate for the human rights of all women engaged in sex work in our city and province, both individually and collectively. We look after women for whom sex work is a profession. We also mentor women who are not in the industry voluntarily and want to transform their lives.

Iris Kirby House

The Iris Kirby House was opened in 1981 to provide shelter and a safe haven for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Iris Kirby House offers abused women from all walks of life a safe home with support and opportunities to explore alternatives to living in an abusive relationship.

NL Victim Services

NL Victim Services is a free service provided by the Department of Justice and Public welfare to crime victims in Newfoundland and Labrador. Victim Support provides help for victims of:

  • intimate partner violence (domestic violence);
  • sexual assault;
  • criminal harassment (stalking);
  • personal violence, such as bodily harm;
  • attack with a weapon;
  • assault with bodily harm;
  • threats;
  • manslaughter (family members can gain access to services);
  • unfitness to drive;
  • property crimes;
  • and theft and fraud.

Outreach services include providing support and information, advocacy and accompaniment (if appropriate) to agencies and organizations, helping to organize emergency shelters for women and their children, education and training on family violence, and stage two housing.

NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre

The NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Center is a non-profit, community-based, charitable organization that exists to support individuals of all genders affected by sexual violence. We operate from a feminist, pro-choice, trauma-informed, person-centred perspective, where individuals with lived experience are honoured for their unique strengths, needs, abilities, and skills.