IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, CALL 9-1-1
Intimate Partner Violence and Trauma
Provincial/territorial crisis lines for intimate partner violence.
Mental health support for residents of Canada.
See below for a training video and resources about intimate partner violence (IPV) and trauma.
Artwork: © Violet Gatensby, Carcross, YT
Training Video
Intimate Partner Violence and Trauma
1 hour, 8 minutes
This training video covers:
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Different types of IPV-related trauma – physical and psychological
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PTSD statistics by gender and residential school experience
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Fight, flight, freeze and fawn response
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Effects of trauma on the brain and body
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Relationship with substance use and self-harm
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Traumatic Brain Injury and resources
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Retraumatization by the courts and services
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Trauma in children, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
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Intergenerational, collective, ongoing and vicarious traumas
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Protective factors, pathways to healing
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Post-traumatic Growth, Vicarious Resilience
You can watch this video with others or alone and stop it at any time for discussion or to write your own notes and questions. Please be advised that the video deals with violence, death and injustice. We recommend that you think about a supportive person you can talk to about these issues. Please see the box for mental health and crisis support lines.
Resources
Articles – Easy To Read
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Trauma, especially childhood trauma, can affect attachment style. Verywell Mind, 2023. https://www.verywellmind.com/disorganized-attachment-in-relationships-7500701
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Books
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Why can’t I let you go? Break free from trauma bonds, end toxic relationships, and develop healthy attachments. By Michelle Skeen and Kelly Skeen. New Harbinger Publications, 2024. https://www.newharbinger.com/9781648481888/why-cant-i-let-you-go/
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The body keep the score: Brain, mind and body in the healing of trauma. By Bessel Van der Kolk, Viking, 2014. https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score
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Courses
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Trauma Research Foundation certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. https://traumaresearchfoundation.org/programs/certificate-program
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The Politics of Trauma: Embodied Transformation, Social Action and Love (course, $, but discounts available). https://www.stacihaines.com/enroll
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Podcasts
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Besel van der Kolk: How trauma lodges in the body, revisited. On Being podcast and transcript. https://onbeing.org/programs/bessel-van-der-kolk-how-trauma-lodges-in-the-body-revisited/
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Vicarious trauma, Indigenous perspective. https://www.afn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/6.-AFN-Conference-2019-Vivcarious-Trauma-Thunderbird-Partnership.pdf
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Slides
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Trauma and children: Closing the gap between what we know and what we can do. Linda Baker, Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children, London, Ontario: https://www.learningtoendabuse.ca/research/conference_resources/pdf/Linda_Baker-Preconference-Slides.pdf
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Video
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Learn the signs and symptoms of PTSD. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Big Think (video, 7 min), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szvCMwl_d-E
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Trauma and the nervous system: A polyvagal perspective. Trauma Foundation video, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdIQRxwT1I0&t=174s
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Websites
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Dr. Gabor Maté articles, interviews and videos about trauma. https://drgabormate.com/trauma/
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Effects of trauma on the brain. Banyan Treatment Centers, 2023. https://www.banyanmentalhealth.com/2020/05/12/effects-of-trauma-on-the-brain/
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Phases of Trauma Recovery, Manitoba Trauma Information and Education Centre: https://trauma-recovery.ca/recovery/phases-of-trauma-recovery/
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Mental Health
See also Suicide, Substance use
Anxiety
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Anxiety Canada: Resources, relief, results. https://maps.anxietycanada.com/courses/anxiety-plan-for-adults
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BounceBack – a free program of the Canadian Mental Health Association. This is a free skills-building program using workbooks and a trained coach to guide you to manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Specific versions for youth aged 15-18, adults 19 and over and care providers. You can sign up either to work with a coach in six telephone sessions over three to six months, or watch the videos in English, French, Arabic, Farsi, Cantonese, Mandarin or Punjabi. You need to be connected to a primary care provider, including a walk-in or virtual clinic. If you are not able to register, you can still have access to the videos. Note that this may not include trauma counselling or be of equal help to people who are facing real threats. https://cmha.ca/bounce-back
Borderline Personality Disorder
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Taking charge of Borderline Personality Disorder: Strategies to balance your emotions, build healthy relationships, and reclaim your life. Online course, Dr. Daniel J. Fox (clinical psychologist), New Harbinger. https://www.newharbinger.com/pages/bpdc-sneak-peek
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Crisis Line
National
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Kid’s Help Phone. 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) Available 24/7 to young people who want to speak to someone. Can also text TALK to 686868 or live chat www.kidshelpphone.ca
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Hope for Wellness Help Line. 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) Confidential counselling and crisis intervention 24/7. Can also live chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca
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Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8 (call or text) Available 24/7 to anyone who is or knows someone who is thinking about suicide.
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National Indian Residential School Crisis Line. 1-866-925-4419 (toll-free) Available 24/7 to former residential school students and their families.
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Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line. 1-844-413-6649 (toll-free) Available 24/7 to anyone impacts by the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.
Yukon
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Reach Out Support Line. 1-844-533-3030 Available 24/7, offered by Canadian Mental Health Association, Yukon Division, operated by volunteers who listen and provide support to callers.
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Adult Counselling Services. 867-456-3838 or 1-866-456-3838 (toll-free) Run by territorial health services , offers Rapid Access Counselling, individual counselling, group counselling, drop-in wellness groups, support to access treatment, etc. Can also connect people with psychiatric outreach, especially for those with serious mental health disorders
NWT
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811 Helpline. 811 or 1-844-259-1793 Operated by territorial government and available 24/7. People can call if they have health-related questions and are experiencing mental distress, sexual assault, depression, anxiety, PSTD, addictions, etc.
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Community Counseling Program Contacts. Webpage lists all of the phone numbers for the community counsellors in the NWT. https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/contact/community-counsellor
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Alison McAteer House. 867-873-8257 (Yellowknife) or 1-866-223-7775 (toll-free) For people experiencing violence across NWT. Toll-free number also accessible to people in Kitikmeot region of Nunavut. Staffed 24/7. Also processes Emergency Protection Orders (EPOs) for persons fleeing violence in NWT.
Nunavut
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Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line. 867-979-3333 (Iqaluit) or 1-800-265-3333 (toll-free) Available 24/7 to Nunavummiut who want to speak with someone
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Healing by Talking Program. 1-888-648-0070 Free telephone counseling service provided by Government of Nunavut.
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Isaksimagit Inuusirmi Katujjiqatigiit Embrace Life Council. 1-866-804-2782. Suicide prevention. Can also email embracelife@inuusiq.com or visit www.inuusiq.com
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Ilisaqsivik. 867-924-6565, tungasugit@ilisaqsivik.ca, https://ilisaqsivik.ca/en/ Not a crisis line, but offers culturally-relevant programs and counselling in Clyde River, NU.
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Depression
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What does depression look like in men? Here are 15 signs and symptoms. By Sanjana Gupta, medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD, Verywell Mind, 2024. https://www.verywellmind.com/signs-of-depression-in-men-8707416
Intergenerational trauma
See also Populations - Indigenous
Courses
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The Neurobiology of Attachment. National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine. This course is aimed at mental health practitioners and may use academic language. It deals with how intergenerational trauma works, how it affects parents and children, adverse childhood experiences, and how to interact with clients who have experienced trauma. It is led by white, American clinicians and is not rooted in Indigenous realities: https://www.nicabm.com/program/a2-attachment-fb2/?d=fbo.1745.6.b&del=fb1745.6all.b&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=image&utm_campaign=1745&utm_term=fans&utm_content
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Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change even after trauma, stroke, depression or injury.
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What is neuroplasticity? Kendra Cherry, Verywell Mind, Updated Nov. 8, 2022. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-brain-plasticity-2794886
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Panic Attacks
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How to Stop a Panic Attack. Verywell Mind, 2021. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-can-i-stop-a-panic-attack-2584126
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Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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How Chronic Stress Impacts Your Health. Includes section on relaxation techniques and when to seek therapy. By Elizabeth Scott, Verywell Mind, 2023. https://www.verywellmind.com/chronic-stress-3145104
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Positive Psychology
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Hardwiring happiness: The new brain science of contentment, calm, and confidence. Book by Rick Hanson, Penguin Random House, 2016.
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How to embrace radical acceptance. Radical acceptance does not mean you agree with your situation, but rather that you accept that this is your reality right now. This article covers when radical acceptance is not appropriate (like inside an abusive relationship) and when it is appropriate (accepting a painful reality you may have experienced in the past): https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-radical-acceptance-5120614
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Positive psychology. Harvard Health, 2023. https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/positive-psychology
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Resilience And Protective Factors
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Story Shifters: Co-creating new stories about trauma. Webinar. https://www.gbvlearningnetwork.ca/webinars/recorded-webinars/2019/webinar-2019-8.html
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Understanding resilience in children exposed to IPV – What we know from current literature: https://www.vawlearningnetwork.ca/our-work/briefs/brief-38.html
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Traumatic Brain Injury
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Brain injuries and women. Resource produced by DAWN Canada (DisAbled Women’s Network): https://www.dawncanada.net/ppbdp-en/brain-injury-and-women/
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Concussion Awareness Learning Tool free e-learning course for women’s support workers. Resource by Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury through Research (SOAR), a BC-based multi-disciplinary, community-engaged, not-for-profit organization Takes 45 minutes to complete, can get certificate of completion. https://cattonline.com/womens-support-workers/
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Her brain chose for her. Downloadable interactive booklet containing black and white illustrations which the learner can colour in using colour pencils, crayons or markers. Produced by the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses. https://herbrainchose.oaith.ca/
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Supporting survivors in shelters. Infographic produced by the Learning Network, Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children. https://www.vawlearningnetwork.ca/our-work/infographics/traumaticbraininjury/index.html
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Healing And Prevention
Change is possible
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Can people really change? Research shows change is possible with motivation and therapy support. By Sanjana Gupta, VerywellMind, 2024. https://www.verywellmind.com/can-people-really-change-5203290
Culturally sensitive counselling
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Trauma-informed and culturally sensitive counselling skills. From “Lessons Learned from a Culturally-Informed Peer Support Program for Newcomer Arabic-Speaking Communities”, 2024. https://www.gbvlearningnetwork.ca/resource-spotlights/recorded-resource-spotlights/docs/Spotlight-Slides-Dec-2024.pdf
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Land-Based Healing
Academic
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The land is a healer: Perspectives on land-based healing from Indigenous practitioners in Northern Canada. 2020 article by Jennifer Redvers in International Journal of Indigenous Health 15 (1). https://doi.org/10.32799/ijih.v15i1.34046
Book chapter
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Chapter 4. Land-based healing and cultural resilience. Mental Health and Climate Change Alliance. https://mhcca.ca/indigenous-communities/chapter-4-land-based-healing-and-cultural-resilience
Factsheet
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What is land-based treatment and healing? First Nations Health Authority, B.C. https://www.fnha.ca/Documents/FNHA-What-is-Land-Based-Treatment-and-Healing.pdf
Programs
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Dehcho First Nations annual on-the-land program. Contact Health and Wellness. https://dehcho.org/
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Mamisarvik Healing Centre. Eight-week residential treatment program for Inuit, based in Ottawa. Incorporates some on-the-land activities. https://tiontario.ca/programs/mamisarvik-healing-centre
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Project Jewel. On-the-land program near Inuvik offered by the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. https://irc.inuvialuit.com/programs/project-jewel/
Website
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Wellness on the land: Land-based programs. About how to create a land-based program. Thunderbird Partnership Foundation. https://thunderbirdpf.org/land-for-wellness/
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Men And Boys
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Moose Hide Campaign. https://moosehidecampaign.ca/
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Working with men (Ontario First Nations perspective). Kanawayhitowin: Taking Care of Each Other’s Spirit. http://www.kanawayhitowin.ca/?page_id=82
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Moose Hide Campaign talks Indigenous masculinity! Recorded Facebook talk by Sage Lacerte. https://gbvlearningnetwork.ca/our-work/facebook-lives/moose-hide-campaign-indigenous-masculinity/index.html 18 mins 16 secs
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Parenting
Also see Populations - Children and Youth
Articles – easy to read
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Why parenting styles matter when raising children. Verywell Mind, 2022. https://www.verywellmind.com/parenting-styles-2795072\
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What does secure attachment look and feel like? Verywell Mind, 2024. https://www.verywellmind.com/secure-attachment-signs-benefits-and-how-to-cultivate-it-8628802
Books
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Staying connected with your teen: Polyvagal parenting strategies to reduce reactivity, set limits, and build authentic connection. Book or e-book by Yshai Boussi, New Harbinger, 2024. https://www.newharbinger.com/9781648482229/staying-connected-with-your-teen
Factsheets
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Mothering in the context of Intimate Partner Violence: Realities and resilience. Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children, 2023. https://www.gbvlearningnetwork.ca/our-work/briefs/mothering-brief.html?utm_source=LN+and+KH+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=9baf608586-Backgrounder-Sport
Video
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The Incredible Years Parenting Program overview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1-BoK7KVQY
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