However, certain groups may be at higher risk for experiencing different types of family violence. For example, women and girls are more likely to experience intimate partner violence – when one intimate partner abuses the other in some form – than are men and boys (Statistics Canada, 2018).

Moreover, women who are Indigenous, Black, or otherwise racialized; living with a disability; non-status, refugees, or immigrants; and/or members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are even more at risk of experiencing violence from an intimate partner or family member (Canadian Women’s Foundation).

Family violence affects every community in the Northwest Territories. In fact, the North has the highest rates of family and intimate partner violence in the country (Statistics Canada, 2023). In 2019, the rate of police-reported intimate partner violence was 10 times the national average (Statistics Canada, 2019.

Family Violence

Can happen to anyone, no matter their sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, class, level of education, religion, or geographic location.

Family violence can be a single act, or many acts that create a pattern of abuse.

It can also take many forms, including:

Physical abuse (hitting, slapping, punching, kicking)
Emotional abuse (name calling, yelling/screaming, intimidation, intentional humiliation)
Financial abuse (stealing money or belongings, borrowing money and not paying it back, withholding money from a family member that relies on financial support)
Sexual abuse (sexual touching or activity without active consent)
Threats against you or other family members
Forcible confinement (not allow to leave)
Coercive control (isolation from friends and family, controlling what you do, preventing you from accessing support)
Stalking, either online or in-person
Harassment (intimidation, ongoing unwanted phone or social media contact, in-person unwelcome interactions)
Damaging your property or harming your pets

However, certain groups may be at higher risk for experiencing different types of family violence. For example, women and girls are more likely to experience intimate partner violence – when one intimate partner abuses the other in some form – than are men and boys (Statistics Canada, 2018).

Family Violence

Family violence can be a single act, or many acts that create a pattern of abuse.

Family violence is when a person hurts a parent, child, spouse, common-law, romantic partner, ex-partner or other such relative.

No matter what, you and your loved ones deserve a life that is safe, happy, and loving. Violence is never okay.

Family Violence