FAMILY VIOLENCE AWARENESS INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE IN THE WORKPLACE

A guide for use by people interested in meeting together to discuss dating violence issues. funded by Mental Health Division and National Clearinghouse on Family Violence Health Canada 1994

Additional copies are available from:

National Clearinghouse on Family Violence
Health Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Health Issues Division
Address Locator: 1909D1
9th Floor, Jeanne Mance Building, Tunney's Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario KlA 1B4
Tel: (613) 957-2938 or 1-800-267-1291
Fax: (613) 941-8930
FaxLink: (613) 941-7285 or 1-888-267-1233
TTY: (613) 952-6396 or 1-800-561-5643
Internet Homepage: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/nc-cn
December 1997 (revised)

également disponible en français sous le titre
VIOLENCE FAMILIALE: ATELIER DE SENSIBILISATION
DU PERSONNEL EN MILIEU DE TRAVAIL
 

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those
of Health Canada. Contents may not be commercially reproduced,
but any other reproduction, with acknowledgements, is encouraged.

Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada 1994

FAMILY VIOLENCE:
AWARENESS INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE IN THE WORKPLACE (English)
Cat. H72-21/119-1994E
ISBN 0-662,22575-9

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The concept featured in this handbook and the Family Violence Awareness Information Project was developed under contract with the Justice Institute of B.C. by Flora MacLeod, Program Director, Program Services. The Step by Step Guide and Tips for Presenters were developed by adult education consultant Brenda Dafoe.   The project was funded by Mental Health Unit, Health Care and Issues Division, Health Canada in collaboration with the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, Health Canada. The project benefited from the guidance of Joan Simpson, Family Violence Coordinator, Mental Health, Division, Health Canada and Barbara Merriam,  Advisory Committee: RENÉE AUDY, DIRECTOR CLSC Olivier Grimond Montreal, Quebec CYNTHIA BOYD, SUPERVISOR Ridgewood Treatment & Rehabilitation Centre Saint John, New Brunswick. JOAN GILLESPIE, CONSULTANT Family Violence Program, Canadian Council on Social Development Ottawa, Ontario. Liz GILLIS, SOCIAL WORKER Mount View Health Unit Calgary, Alberta. CAROL LAFEYETTE-BOYD, STAFF DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT Ministry of Social Services Regina, Saskatchewan. ELLIOT PAUS JENSEN, SOCIAL WORKER Geriatric Assessment Unit, College of Medicine, Royal University Hospital Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Manager, National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, Family Violence Prevention Unit, Health Canada. The material for the series was developed following focus groups conducted on wife assault, child abuse, and abuse and neglect of older adults and under the guidance of advisory committees expert in each family violence topic. The material in the Family Violence module was tested with workplace groups in Alberta and B.C. Appreciation is expressed to the people who facilitated those pilots and presented the material to their colleagues or participated in the sessions and gave invaluable feedback about them.   Development and Production: FLORA MAcLEOD, WRITER AND PROJECT DIRECTOR BRENDA DAFOE, WRITER AND ADULT EDUCATION CONSULTANT CAROL CHEVELDAVE AND SARAH ROSS, EDITORS WESTERN TECHNIGRAPHICS LTD., PUBLISHERS FUNDING PROVIDED BY: MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION HEALTH CARE AND NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON FAMILY VIOLENCE Family Violence Prevention Unit HEALTH CANADA

INTRODUCING THE FAMILY VIOLENCE
AWARENESS INFORMATION HANDBOOK...
 

THIS HANDBOOK WAS DEVELOPED IN THE BELIEF THAT: ____________________________

people get together to discuss issues that concern them people learn by discussion with each other learning can be facilitated within a peer leadership approach a peer leadership approach demonstrates respect for people's experiences and life situations

people bring with them valuable skills and valid points of view that guide their interactions with others; and a peer leadership approach is appropriate in the presentation and discussion of basic material about issues that affect us all in our everyday lives.

FEATURES:_______________________________________________________________

DESIGNED FOR INFORMAL GROUPS This information was developed as part of a series of guides for use by people interested in meeting to discuss family violence issues. BASED ON PEER LEADERSHIP The material is organized in a simple, non-technical format to help the presenter who is neither a content expert nor necessarily an experienced teacher or public speaker CONTAINS BASIC INFORMATION ON DATING VIOLENCE The material is introductory and designed to be appropriate and of interest to the general public FOCUSES ON AWARENESS AND RESOURCES The goal of the information session is to help people develop a greater awareness about family violence, practical steps for help and the range of resources available in their own community (including services, programs, and resource people who have specialized and expert information on this topic)

DESIGNED IN A ONE HOUR FORMAT The session takes about one hour, though groups may decide to take more or less time or to carry over discussion to subsequent sessions FOR USE IN WORKPLACE AND OTHER SETTINGS While the handbook is designed for use in the workplace, over a lunch hour, or before or after work, it may also be used in other settings in the community to guide informal discussions on dating violence PART OF A SERIES Additional handbooks on other topics, including child abuse and abuse and neglect of older adults, are available free from the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence

HOW THE INFORMATION IS ORGANIZED

PLANNING THE INFORMATION SESSION______________________________

Goals, who might be involved, where and when sessions might take place, and how to set up a session are included in the first section. Note the page called TIPS FOR PRESENTERS, with suggestions and ideas on presenting' the information in the handbook.

This section also contains background information from the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, a blank FAMILY VIOLENCE COMMUNITY RESOURCE LIST to be completed by the presenter and a sample POSTER for advertising the session.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE_____________________________________________

This is the guide to the presentation. It includes basic information, ideas for introductions, suggestions for what to say

on the topic, an agenda, quiz answers, activity ideas, handouts and guidelines on how to use the handouts.

PLANNING THE INFORMATION SESSION

GOALS__________________________________________________________

It is important to know what you hope to accomplish by holding an information session on family violence. The goals of the information session are to help people:	be aware of practical steps for help; and  be aware of resources available in the community.
become aware that there is violence and abuse in community   talk about and begin to understand family violence as it affects children, women and men, and older adults;	People in our society are concerned about family violence. We can all take steps to make our community safer. A good way to start is by creating awareness in the workplace.

WHO?___________________________________________________________

Who plans an information session on family violence? You can. You can organize a workplace information session by getting a group together and using this handbook as a guide to start a discussion. It is a good idea to share the role of leading the discussion so that one of you is available to leave the group if someone becomes upset and needs private, individual support and information before the session ends. Talking about family violence is not easy and people who have You won't personally have all the answers to people's questions about family violence, but you can contact people in the community who can provide more information. You don't need to be an expert about family violence to plan a session. You do need to: an interest in the subject; to read the enclosed materials; and to complete the community resources page. Identify key people who may offer their support. Some workplaces have people

been affected by it may need to talk to someone about places to go for help. Be sure both of you review the guide before the information session, especially the section called HELPING STEPS. Afterwards, at the end of the session, allow additional time so that you can respond to any requests for information or help. (A resource for employee assistance counsellors called WIFE ABUSE: A WORKPLACE ISSUE is available from the National Clearing House on Family Violence. on site with a special interest in issues affecting employees. Contact, in advance, representatives of any employee assistance, union counselling or occupational health programs or other resources such as well-being or health and safety committees. These people may be willing to help you organize an information session or might like to attend. In any case, they should know that the session is being planned, not only as a courtesy, but because they may possibly experience an increase in the number of employees asking for help.

WHERE?_________________________________________________________

This guide is designed for use in the workplace, but could also be used in home or community settings.   In your workplace, check policy about the use of meeting rooms. A quiet room is best. There may be a classroom or boardroom in your workplace that could be booked for the session. A private office can be used depending on the number of people attending. A separate section of a cafeteria or staff room may be suitable.

If there is an employee assistance program or a union counsellor in your workplace, ask them for ideas about where to hold the session. If you do not receive approval for a workplace meeting or if no suitable space is available, you can make arrangements to meet some place else like a library, YWCA, community centre or family place. Any of these may say "yes" to your request.

WHEN?___________________________________________________________

The STEP BY STEP GUIDE has been designed in a 55 minute format so that it can be used during a noon hour, at a shift change or whenever convenient. It is also possible that your employer may be willing to offer work time

for the session. This is because family violence affects workers' lives, and may cause illness, absenteeism, and lack of concentration resulting in low productivity or possible injury.

HOW?____________________________________________________________

Decide on a time and place. Ask somebody else to help and decide who will do what. Then:

1. Let people know.___________________________________________________________

You may decide to simply invite a number of people who you think may have an interest in family violence. Or you can advertise, using posters on bulletin boards. But remember that permission may be required before putting up posters on bulletin boards in the workplace. A sample poster is included in this handbook. To use "as is" enter the time

and location information, and then photocopy on brightly coloured paper. About ten people is a good number for an information session, but more or fewer will work equally well. If you invite people, you will have a sense of how many are coming. A group can't be too small - you and someone else can use the guide effectively.

2. Complete the COMMUNITY RESOURCE LIST handout in advance.___________________________

This form is provided in the back of the handbook. It is very helpful to participants if local telephone numbers are written on the handout. So before the information session date, look up and fill in at least one emergency number and any community service information number that may be available. Any single enquiry number will be able to refer you to others. Some key resources are available in nearly every town or community in our country. The telephone book is the best source

for these numbers but the local library or information centre may be able to tell you how to reach services that are in your area. Telephone numbers are important because people who attend the information session need to know where help is available in their community. Some people may not say anything specific at the time, but having a list of resources to take away with them could make all the difference in the future.

3. Do some reading and preparation in advance.____________________________________

read the TIPS FOR PRESENTERS; read the STEP BY STEP GUIDE; read the three National Clearinghouse on Family Violence fact sheets on Wife Abuse, Child Abuse and Neglect, and Elder Abuse included in the handbook;   photocopy the completed COMMUNITY RESOURCE LIST, agenda and other

handouts. Make enough copies for all the people you expect to attend the session. After the information session, post any spare resource lists on bulletin boards that are available for staff use; and prepare pieces of paper or bring recipe cards and pencils for use in the EXAMPLES exercise.

Good luck with your family violence awareness session.
 
 

TIPS FOR PRESENTERS  You and the group are here to explore family violence issues together. Be yourself. Your feeling comfortable and relaxed will help contribute to an informal, friendly atmosphere.   Your role is that of a group facilitator, not an expert. It is not up to you to come up with all the answers or solutions. "My role today is to act as a guide during this discussion on family violence."   Adults bring to any learning situation a wide range of knowledge and experience. It is helpful to recognize and, if appropriate, acknowledge this. "You've had a lot of experience with this issue, Jane..."   Family violence issues are not easy to talk about. Feelings of sadness or anger may surface during the presentation. Acknowledging those feelings can be helpful. Say something like the following, "That must have been very upsetting for you, Asif ..."   It's a good idea to follow the timing suggestions on the agenda. If the group is particularly interested in one topic, you may wish to ask for a group decision: should they proceed with the agenda or stay with the topic under discussion? "We only have 10 minutes left and three more sections to cover. How would you like to proceed?" Meeting again another day may be an option. Or you may decide not to complete the session but to give out the handouts.   It's important to acknowledge all comments with a nod, smile or a brief "Thanks" whether or not the comments fit the agenda.   Sometimes a group member may go off on a tangent, expressing strongly held beliefs they want to talk about. You may wish to say something like the following: "I understand your concern about...,but today we are discussing...."   From time to time, it may be helpful to refer back to key points made earlier in the presentation. "Remember when we talked earlier about the role of power and control in family violence?"   Some participants may experience strong emotions and want to talk to somebody privately. Have a back-up partner who can assist you. This allows you to continue with the presentation while your partner offers support and information about help available in your community.   Thank the group for coming. "Family violence is a tough subject to talk about. Concerned people like yourselves can make a difference. Thanks For coming!" Developed by Brenda Dafoe

STEP BY STEP GUIDE
 
 

1       2

AS PEOPLE COME IN: Give them a copy of the COMMUNITY RESOURCE LIST, a copy of the QUIZ and an agenda.  INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND MEMBERS OF THE GROUP (about 5 minutes)  Begin by introducing yourself and any co-presenter.                       Introduce group members. Look over the group and decide:          If any of these points apply, skip this section and  move on to the Overview section. If you decide to do introductions, a quick way to ensure that everyone has met at least two people is to:

ask them to fill out the QUIZ let them know the QUIZ will be discussed later   briefly go over the AGENDA with the group to let them know how the hour will be organized Mention:  why you decided to organize this session time limitations: "We have only 55 minutes for the session today and a lot to cover as you can see by the agenda...";  that family violence is an emotional topic that for some of us is hard to talk about; that it is a complex issue with no simple solutions; that people who want to get more information can see you afterwards; that, if for any reason someone needs to leave before the session has ended, they should feel free to do so; and that people are invited to add comments or ask questions during the session.                     does everyone already know each other? is the group so large that introductions will take too much time? will some people feel uncomfortable going through an introduction exercise? ask participants to turn to the person on their left and introduce themselves; then turn to the person on their right and do the same.

 

3	FAMILY VIOLENCE: AN OVERVIEW (about 10 minutes)

Begin by acknowledging that family violence is an emotional issue

Remember that people in the group may be concerned about family violence because of a current or past personal experience.

You could say:
 

Family violence isn't something that happens to other people. It happens to our friends, our neighbours, ourselves. We may be concerned about someone else who is experiencing family violence. We may find that discussing family violence can be difficult; it can bring back painful memories. Remember that there are local family violence resources listed on the FAMILY VIOLENCE COMMUNITY RESOURCE LIST you picked up on your way in. If anyone wants more information, please see me after the session.

Clarify what is meant
by "family violence."

You could say:
 

Family violence is behaviour that endangers the survival, security or well-being of another person. Family violence is not a new problem, but it is only recently that people are trying to do something about it. In talking about family violence here today, we mean abuse that takes place in the family or in an intimate relationship. Such abuse takes many forms, including dating violence, wife abuse, abuse and neglect of older adults, child abuse and neglect, child sexual abuse and witnessing the abuse of others in the family. Abuse may be physical, emotional or sexual. Neglect and financial exploitation are other aspects of abuse. The people most often affected by family violence are women, children and older adults.

Mention what is known
about family violence.

You could say:
 

In our society, not all people are treated as equals. People who are less powerful are vulnerable to abuse - children, women, older adults, persons with disabilities, people or members of ethnic, cultural and visible minorities. Family violence is not caused by economic conditions or tough times, job loss, stress or alcohol abuse. In good economic times or bad, some people choose to behave violently towards others. Their own feelings of stress, frustration or belittlement are taken out on others in their control.

 

4	EXAMPLES (about 10 minutes)

Begin by handing out pencils
and blank pieces of paper or recipe
cards. Give participants directions.

You could say:
 

Think of an example of a family violence situation you know about personally or have heard about. Take a minute to write down a phrase or a sentence describing the situation. For example: a child on a swim team with welt marks and bruises. Please leave out any names. I will read some of the examples aloud and ask you as a group to identify the type of abuse described on the card.

Then collect the cards and read some
examples out loud (or, if it is a small
group, read and discuss all the examples).

You could say:
 

What do you think has happened in this situation? Who is most vulnerable? Who holds the power?

 

5	FAMILY VIOLENCE HAS SERIOUS IMPACT (about 10 minutes)

Give people the IMPACT OF FAMILY VIOLENCE handout.

Use it to guide discussion on the effects of family violence. Begin by describing the "ripple effect' of family violence incidents and their serious impact on our lives, our family, school and workplace life and our community. Ask the participants for their ideas of other "costs," both personal and community-wide.

You could say:
 

We have just seen that family violence is an issue which most of us know about. Family violence has both immediate and long term effects. It has an impact on the whole community, not just the family involved. Research shows that children living in violent homes suffer emotional abuse as a consequence of witnessing abuse. They grow up in an atmosphere of tension, fear, intimidation and confusion about intimate relationships. They may lack confidence, and feel shame, insecurity and guilt. They may have difficulties at school. They learn that violence is an acceptable way for men to relate to women and to resolve conflicts in relationships or in the family. The experience may affect them in adult life in many ways, including repeating the pattern of violence in their own families in later years.

 

6	HELPING STEPS (about 10 minutes)

Give out the HELPING STEPS handout.

You could say:
 

You may be approached by a friend, neighbour or co-worker who is experiencing family violence. What can you do to help?

 

	Now briefly discuss each HELPING STEP.	Read out each of the HELPING STEPS on the handout. After each step, ask for one or two additional ideas about how to SHOW RESPECT, ENSURE CONFIDENTIALITY, BE OPEN- MINDED and OFFER SUPPORT. If time allows, spend more time on this discussion.
7	DISCUSS THE QUIZ (about 10 minutes) Ask participants to find the QUIZ they completed earlier.)	They may wish to follow the questions and their personal responses as you read aloud each question and answer. Do not ask people about their answers to these questions. The object of the activity is to clarify common misconceptions about family violence.
	Read each question and answer aloud. All are FALSE.	Depending on time, you may want to encourage discussion after each point. Not everyone will necessarily agree with the answers and may raise what seem like unrelated issues. Some responses you might use are: "What do others think?"   "That sounds like a topic for another discussion."   "Let's write down that question and contact someone who can give us more information."
	1. Family violence occurs most often in lower income families.	Fact: Family violence is not related to economic status or to ethnic, racial, social or particular age groups. Family violence cuts across all age and social boundaries. But people with higher incomes can more easily hide family violence and people with lower incomes are more likely to make use of public services, including the police.
	2. Family violence is only about physical abuse. a	Fact: Family violence includes physical and sexual assault, emotional and psychological abuse, intimidation, neglect and financial and personal exploitation. Abuse may result in injury or significant emotional or psychological harm.
	3. Women are the only victims of family violence.	Fact: Children, women and older adults are the primary victims of family violence. Boys as well as girls are victims of childhood sexual abuse. Generally in our society, people who are less powerful, whether male or female, are more vulnerable to abuse, including children, older adults, persons with disabilities and members of ethnic and cultural minorities.
	4. Victims of family violence are often to blame for the violence.	Fact: Victims are never to blame. Nobody deserves to be hit or hurt and no one has the right to abuse another person, regardless of the circumstances. People are entitled to live in a safe environment. Offenders must be held accountable and take responsibility for their abusive behaviour.
	5. Family violence is a private matter.	Fact: Family violence is a concern and responsibility of the entire community. It is a serious matter which may result in the laying of criminal charges. Believing that family violence is "private" makes it harder for people caught in violent relationships to look for help, and thus perpetuates the problem.
	6. Alcohol abuse causes violence in families.	Fact: Abuse of alcohol does not cause family violence. Abusers often drink to excuse their actions. But not all people who abuse alcohol abuse others; and some abusers don't drink at all. People who abuse when drunk will abuse when sober.
	7. Family violence has little impact on children.	Fact: Many children who grow up in a violent home will be affected by it for the rest of their lives. Being abused or witnessing the abuse of others causes emotional and psychological harm to children that will affect their ability to learn, to develop confidence and self-esteem, and to get along with others.
	8. People who are abusive are "mentally ill."	Fact: People try to explain or excuse family violence by saying abusers are "mentally ill." This implies that abusers are not responsible for their actions. People who work with family violence problems say that most abusers are not mentally ill. They take advantage of a power imbalance to hurt and control others.
8	WIND UP: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? (about 5 minutes)                                           Thank the group for coming to the session.	During the last 5 minutes of the presentation, you may want to ask the group if they would like to meet again to: continue discussion on family violence awareness (particularly if you ran out of time and did not finish the session);   listen to a speaker from the community talk about a specific family violence topic;   view a video tape on family violence issues; and/or   discuss another family violence topic such as abuse of older adults, child abuse or wife assault. Session guides on these topics can be obtained free from the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence.                     Mention that you will be available for the next few minutes should anyone have a question or concern. (If someone needs to talk about a problem, check if they know about any employee assistance or union counselling program that may be available in your workplace. Look at the COMMUNITY RESOURCE LIST for other ideas of where your colleague can go for help.)

What Is Child Abuse?

Child abuse occurs when a parent, guardian or caregiver mistreats or neglects a child, resulting in

Physical abuse is the deliberate application of force to any part of a child's body, which results or may result in a non-accidental injury. It may involve hitting a child a single time, or it may involve a pattern of incidents. Physical abuse also includes behaviour such as shaking, choking, biting, kicking, burning or poisoning a child, holding a child under water, or any other harmful or dangerous use of force or restraint. Child physical abuse is usually connected to physical punishment or is confused with child discipline.

Child sexual abuse occurs when a child is used for sexual purposes by an adult or adolescent. It involves exposing a child to any sexual activity or behaviour. Sexual abuse most often involves fondling and may include inviting a child to touch or be touched sexually. Other forms of sexual abuse include sexual intercourse, juvenile prostitution and sexual exploitation through pornography. Sexual abuse is inherently abusive emotionally and is often accompanied by separate and more direct forms of psychological abuse or other forms of mistreatment. Child sexual abuse is not further addressed in this fact sheet. A separate fact sheet dealing exclusively with child sexual abuse is available from the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence.

Neglect occurs when a child's parents or other caregivers are not providing essential requisites to a child's emotional, psychological and physical development. Physical neglect occurs when a child's needs for food, clothing, shelter, cleanliness, medical care and protection from harm are not adequately met. Emotional neglect occurs when a child's need to feel loved, wanted, safe and worthy is not met. Emotional neglect can range from the context of the abuser simply being unavailable to that in which the abuser openly rejects the child. While a case of physical assault is more likely to come to the attention of public authorities, neglect can represent an equally serious risk to a child.

Emotional abuse involves an attack on a child's sense of self Emotional abuse is usually found in the context of a long-term problem in a parent's treatment of a child. It is often part of a pattern of family stress and dysfunctional parenting.¹ Emotional abuse frequently co-exists with other types of abuse. Constantly insulting, humiliating or rejecting a child, or saying that a child is "stupid" or "bad", can harm a child's sense of worth and self-confidence.

Other forms of emotionally abusive treatment include forcing a child into social isolation, intimidating, exploiting, terrorizing or routinely making unreasonable demands on a child. Some provinces in Canada now include exposure of a child to violence between the parents as a form of emotional abuse. A recent study of wife assault found that children witness violence against their mothers in almost 40 percent of violent marriages.²

How Does Society Respond to Child Abuse?

Canadian society's primary formal response to child abuse and neglect is through its provincial child protection systems. The provincial laws on child welfare require that all cases of suspected child abuse and neglect be investigated. A variety of actions can be taken if the investigation indicates the child is in need of protection. Responses range from providing counselling and support services to the family, to temporarily or permanently removing the child from the home, to removing the abuser or abusers from the home. In the most serious cases, abusers may be convicted of a crime if the abuse can be proven under the Criminal Code of Canada.

In addition, many intervention and education programs are aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect. Prevention programs range from intensive help for families exhibiting a high risk of abuse, to general education programs for school students and the public. Everyone has a role to play in responding to and preventing child abuse and neglect.

How Widespread Is the Problem?

It is difficult to attain a reliable measure of the number of people who are abused at some time in their childhood (the prevalence of child abuse). It is also difficult to estimate the number of children who are abused in a single year (the annual incidence of child abuse). There is increasingly reliable information on the number of child abuse cases handled by child protection agencies and police, but the number of children suffering from undiscovered and unreported abuse can only be estimated.

Over the last decade, there has been a dramatic increase in both the reports of suspected abuse and neglect, and the number of children found to be in need of protection. However, it is clear that many cases of child abuse, even some serious ones, are not reported. Individuals and professionals working with children may fail to report because they do not recognize the signs and symptoms of child abuse. In some instances, they may tend to resist admitting to themselves that it is really happening or that it is serious enough to report.

Several other factors inhibit voluntary reporting:

• the nature of family problems related to child abuse and neglect,

 
•  the sense of secrecy and shame surrounding child maltreatment,

 
• the possible consequences of intervention by child protection authorities or police, and

 
• many of the victims are young and relatively dependent.

There are no national statistics on the prevalence or incidence of child abuse in Canada. Each province and territory compiles its own figures, using its own definitions. A 1994 report, Child Welfare in Canada: The Role of Provincial and Territorial Authorities in Cases of Child Abuse, describes the provincial laws, definitions and child welfare systems that deal with child abuse.³ A 1996 report, Child and Family Services Annual Statistical Report 1992-93 to 1994-95, presents statistical data on child welfare services in Canada.⁴ The available data cannot be directly or easily compared among provinces because the information is collected according to different definitions and parameters in each jurisdiction. Nonetheless, the following facts provide some insight into how widespread the problems of child abuse and neglect really are.

In Canada in 1992, approximately 40 000 children were living in foster care or other settings away from their home of origin because of the intervention of child protection authorities.⁵ In Ontario, the number of Children's Aid Society investigations for child physical abuse increased from 3 546 in 1983⁶ to an estimated 13 236 in 1993.⁷  The number of investigations increased by a yearly average of 27 percent over this 10-year period.⁸

Child abuse and neglect occur in every province and territory, in large cities, small towns and rural areas. While children of all ages are at risk, those 3 years old or less are most frequently investigated for neglect, and children 12 to 15 years old are most frequently investigated for physical abuse.⁹

Facts to Consider

Family Factors

• Child abuse is not confined to any one social class or sector of the population; it cuts across all ethnic, religious, social and economic backgrounds. However, economic disadvantage is a major contributor to child neglect.¹⁰ Poverty also appears to be a risk factor for physical abuse, though not for emotional abuse.¹¹

 
• There is evidence that the prevalence of child neglect is significantly lower in Canada than in the United States, possibly because of the lower rates of child poverty in Canada.¹²

 
• Causes of stress on families, such as unemployment, can contribute to child maltreatment.¹³

 
• The Victim

 
• The most potentially serious cases of child abuse involve preschoolers and infants. Younger children are at greater risk of severe injury or death as a result of child abuse.¹⁴

 
• "Failure to thrive" in infants is sometimes the result of neglect. In extreme cases, it leads to developmental delays and even death. Many of the mothers of these infants were themselves abused as children.¹⁵

 
• A child can be harmed by events that occur before he or she is born. If a pregnant woman uses alcohol¹⁶ or drugs,¹⁷ especially in the first two months of pregnancy, it can cause the child to be born with birth defects or developmental delays.

 
• The effects of child abuse are profound. Children who are abused tend to experience more social problems and perform less well in school than non-abused children.¹⁸ This can have lasting effects on their social adjustment and success in life.

 
• Children who are both emotionally and physically abused exhibit the greatest degree of aggression, delinquency and interpersonal problems.¹⁹ Physical abuse inherently conveys a message that is psychologically harmful to the child, but psychological or emotional abuse that is explicit and systematic has more negative consequences for the child than physical abuse.²⁰

 
• Victims of childhood abuse are at greater risk of becoming violent criminals. A study of men in Canadian prisons showed that those who were abused as children were three times more likely than non-abused men to be violent as adults.²¹

 
• Women who were abused in childhood are more likely to suffer from depression, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts.²²

• Abusive parents frequently receive little enjoyment from parenting and are more isolated from the community than non-abusive parents. They have unrealistic expectations of their child and try to control the child through negative and authoritarian means.

 
• Abusive parents are often afraid of, or emotionally unable to ask for help from, sources of support in their community.

 
• Most abusive parents have themselves been abused or neglected as children. However, not all victims of abuse go on to assault children. Parents with a history of abuse who do not abuse their children are generally the ones who have developed supportive relations with others.²³

 
• Many abusers view themselves as victims in life generally or in the parent-child relationship in particular. They feel that they have lost control of their children and their own lives. When their children behave in a manner the parents perceive as disrespectful, they lash out in an effort to establish control.²⁴

 
• Because abusive parent soften have unrealistic expectations about their child's development and abilities, they demand a level of physical, social and emotional maturity which is not appropriate for the age of the child.

Sometimes people think that child abuse is a private family matter. It is not. If you have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, promptly report your concerns to the child welfare agency, provincial or territorial social services department or police force in your community. If necessary, a report can be made anonymously.

Reporting is not difficult or time consuming. In all cases, the person reporting is protected from any kind of legal action, provided the report is not falsely made and motivated by malice.

Where to Go for Services

Contact your local

- child welfare agency,
- social service agency,
- police department,
- hospital,
- mental health centre,
- distress centre, or
- other community service organization that provides counselling and support to children and families.

Many of these organizations are listed among the emergency telephone numbers on or near the first page of your local telephone directory.

Children who want help can also call the Kids' Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Child Abuse?

Most abusive parents do not consciously set out to harm their children. If there are more and better efforts to assist troubled families, parents at risk of abusing may be reached and helped before they resort to violence. Prevention is a good investment, in terms of both the personal and social costs that can be saved.

• Parenting education can help parents to better understand normal child development and to have a more nurturing and enjoyable relationship with their children. Positive approaches to parenting can help parents with children of any age.

 
• Encourage your local school board to develop and implement child abuse prevention programs. Abused children tend to repeat the pattern of abuse, and prevention is one of the most effective means to stop the cycle of violence.

 
• If a child tells you about an abusive situation or experience, be supportive.  Show the child that he or she is believed, and ensure that the occurrence is promptly reported to the appropriate authorities.

 
• You can assist by teaching children how to recognize and say no to abusive or exploitative behaviour. Children should know that they have the right to be free from abuse and exploitation.

 
• You can help the children and adults in your life find information and assistance to prevent an abusive or neglectful pattern from developing.

Suggested Reading

Nanci Bums, Literature Review of Issues Related to the Use of Corrective Force Against Children, Ottawa: Department of Justice, June 1993.

Joan E. Durrant and Linda Rose-Krasnor, Spanking: Should I or Shouldn't I?, Winnipeg: Department of Family Studies, University of Manitoba, 1995.

National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, Overview Papers on Child Sexual Abuse, Wife Abuse, Dating Violence, Abuse of Seniors, etc., Ottawa: Health Canada.

Thomas Gordon, Ph.D., Discipline That Works: Promoting Self-Discipline in Children, New York: Plume Books, 1991.

United Nations General Assembly, Convention on the Rights of the Child, Ottawa: Supply and Services Canada, 1991.

Audiovisual:

The Family Violence Prevention Unit prevention of Health Canada has compiled a collection of more than 90 films and videos on forms of family violence prevention, including child abuse prevention.  These can be borrowed from the partner libraries of the National Film Board of Canada.

References and Notes

1. E.E. Whipple and C. Webster-Stratton, "The role of parental stress in physically abusive families," Child Abuse and Neglect, 15(3), 1991, pp. 279-291.

 
2. K. Rodgers, "Wife assault: The findings of a national survey," Juristat Service Bulletin, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, March 1994, p. 14.

 
3. Federal-Provincial Working Group on Child and Family Services Information, Child Welfare in Canada: The Role of Provincial and Territorial Authorities in Cases of Child Abuse, Ottawa: Supply and Services Canada, 1994.

 
4. Federal-Provincial Working Group on Child and Family Services Information, Child and Family Services Annual Statistical Report 1992-93 to 1994-95, Hull: Working Group on Child and Family Services Information, 1996.

 
5. Ibid. The number is based on provincial/territorial data for "children in care," with Quebec figures for "intermediate and institutional interventions."

 
6. Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies Annual Survey, 1983.

 
7. N. Trocme, D.McPhee, K.K. Tam and T. Hay, Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse & Neglect, Toronto: The Institute for the Prevention of Child Abuse, 1994.

 
8. Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies Annual Surveys, 1983 to 1992. 1993 data from Trocme et al., supra note 6.

 
9. Trocme et al., supra note 6, p. xi.

 
10. Trocme et al., supra note 6, pp. 94-98.

 
11. E.D. Jones and K. McCurdy, "The links between types of maltreatment and demographic characteristics of children," Child Abuse and Neglect, 16(2), 1992, pp. 201-215.

 
12. Trocme et al., supra note 6, p. 122.

 
13. V. Krishnan and K.B. Morrison, "An ecological model of child maltreatment in a Canadian province," Child Abuse and Neglect, 19(l), 1995, pp. 101 - 113.

 
14. R.L. Hegar, S.J. Zuravin and J.G. Orme, "Factors predicting severity of physical child abuse injury," Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 9(2), 1994, pp. 170-183.

 
15. J.A. Weston, M. Colloton, S. Halsey, S. Covington, J. Gilbert, L. Sorrentino-Kelly and S.S. Renoud, "A legacy of violence in nonorganic failure to thrive," Child Abuse and Neglect, 17(6), 1993, pp. 709-714.

 
16. Canadian Medical Association, "CMA Policy Summary: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome," Canadian Medical Association Journal, 148(4), 1993, p. 640a.

 
17. J.M. Soby, Prenatal Exposure to Drugs and Alcohol: Characteristics and Educational Implication of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Cocaine-Polydrug Effects, Springfield, Il., Charles C. Thomas, 1994.

 
18. S. Salzinger, R.S. Feldman, M. Hammer and M. Rosario, "The effects of physical abuse on children's social relationships, Child Development, 64(l), 1993, pp. 169-187. R.H. Starr Jr. and D.A. Wolfe (editors), The Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect:  Issues and Research, London, Guildford Press, 1991.

 
19. Y.M. Vissing, M.A. Straus, R.J. Gelles and J.W. Harrop, "Verbal aggression by parents and psychosocial problems of children," Child Abuse and Neglect, 15(3), 1991, pp. 223-238.

 
20. A.H. Claussen and P.M. Critenden, "Physical and psychological maltreatment: Relations among types of maltreatment," Child Abuse and Neglect, 15(l), 1991, pp. 5-18.

 
21. D.G. Dutton and S.D. Hart, "Evidence of long-term, specific effects of childhood abuse on criminal behaviour in men," International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 36(2), 1992, pp. 129-137.

 
22. The Commonwealth Fund, The Commonwealth Fund Survey of Women's Health, New York: The Fund, July 14, 1993, p. 4.

 
23. J.A. Caliso and J.S. Milner, "Childhood physical abuse, childhood social support and adult child abuse potential," Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 9(l), 1994, pp. 27-44.

 
24. L. Gordon, Heroes of Their Own Lives: The Politics and History of Family Violence, New York: Viking Penguin, 1989.

This fact sheet was revised by Tom Hay, Ph.D., A2B
Consulting, under contract, with assistance from David Allen,
Childhood and Youth Division, Health Canada.
For further information on family violence
prevention issues, please contact:

National Clearinghouse on Family Violence
Address Locator: 1909D1
Family Violence Prevention Unit
Public Health Agency of Canada
Health Canada
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1B4
Telephone: (613) 957-2938
or call this toll-free number: 1-800-267-1291
Fax: (613) 941-8930
FaxLink: (613) 941-7285
or toll-free: 1-888-267-1233

TI'Y/TDD users, (613) 952-6396 or toll-free: 1-800-561-5643

This publication can be made
available in/on computer diskette/
large print/audio-cassette/braille,
upon request.

September 1990
February 1997 (revised)

Our mission is to help the -people of Canada
maintain and improve their health.
Health Canada

---

Wife Abuse  

Information from...
The National Clearinghouse
on Family Violence
 

Over the past fifteen years, Canada has led the world in its attempts to understand and prevent wife abuse.  We have come a long way, but there is still so much more to do.  We hop this fact sheet will help you get involved to prevent violence against women in their homes and in their closest relationships.

What Is Wife Abuse?

Wife abuse is an attempt to control the behavior of a wife, common-law partner or girlfriend.  It is a misuse of power which uses the bonds of intimacy, trust and dependency to make the woman unequal, powerless and unsafe.  wife abuse can include some or all of the following:

Physical abuse can involve slapping, punching, kicking, biting, shoving, choking, or using a weapon or other object to threaten or injure.  It can and sometimes does result in death.

Psychological abuse includes excessive jealousy and attempt to control the woman's time, her activities, even how she dresses or wears her hair.  Men who are psychologically abusive will try to limit who their wives or partners visit or talk to on the phone, so that the women become isolated from friends and relatives.  Psychological abuse can also involve being harassed at work by phone calls or visits, having prized possessions destroyed, being denied sex or affection and enduring suicide threats by a husband, partner or lover.  Psychological abuse can include threats to take their children away.  If the woman is an immigrant or refugee, her abuser may threaten to have her deported.

Verbal abuse consists of constant criticism, name-calling and "put-downs".  It includes unjust blaming, and false accusations about loyalties or sexual actions.  It can include repeated threats of violence against a woman, her children, her friends, her relatives or her pets.

Sexual abuse means the woman is forced to perform sexual acts against her will or to suffer pain or injury during sex.  Sexual abuse can also include being infected with HIV, or with other sexually transmitted diseases because a husband or partner refuses to use a condom or does not tell the woman about the possibility of infection.

Financial abuse means that even if the family is not poor, the woman will have no access to the family's money, no say over what will be bought, and no money for her own use.

Spiritual abuse means that a woman's spiritual beliefs are made fun of or attacked, or that she is not allowed to attend the church, synagogue or temple of  her choice.  Sometimes, her children are raised in a different faith or tradition against her will.

Remember:

• Physical abuse, sexual abuse and threats of violence are all illegal under the terms of Canada's Criminal code.

 
• Wife abuse is seldom a one-time occurrence.  It usually takes place within a cycle of violent or abusive actions, followed by a "honeymoon phase", then a time when tensions increase again until another explosion takes place and the cycle repeats itself.  with each cycle, the level of violence increases.

 
• Attitudes that accept inequality and that accept or even glorify violence, especially against people who are seen as "deserving" victims, are more common in our society that we sometimes want to admit.  Abuse of a woman by her husband or lover just one example of violence in relationships where one person is seen as less worthy than another.  Lesbian partners may also be abused by their lovers in relationships where one partner is dominant

 
• Women with disabilities may also experience the same types of abuse at the hands of people who provide their physical care.

 
• Some women report that they are abuses not only by their husbands or partners, but also by their in-laws, their children or other family members.

 
• Abused women are almost always isolated by their husbands or partners. They are cut off from friends and family, and discouraged from forming friendships at work, at their place or worship or in the neighbourhood.  Often the first step toward providing support is to help break down this isolation.¹

How Widespread is Wife Abuse?

• According to Statistics Canada's 1993 National Survey on Violence Against Women, three in ten women currently or previously married, or living in a common-law relationship in Canada have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence - violence that is against the law - at the hands of their current partner or a former husband or common-law partner.²

 
• More than 200 000 women have been physically or sexually abused by their husbands or common-law partners in the past year.³

 
• One third of women who were assaulted by a partner feared for their lives at some point during the abusive relationship.⁴

 
• Over the period 1974-1992, a married woman was nine times as likely to be killed by her spouse as by a stranger.⁵

 
• While men too can be abused by a partner, research has consistently shown that the man is the victim of abuse in fewer than 10 percent of all incidents of partner abuse.

But Aren't Some Women More at Risk of Abuse than Others?

Wife abuse can and does happen to rich as well as poor women, to old as well as young women, to women who work outside the home as well as women who work within the home without pay, to women of all races, to women with disabilities, to those who do not have physical or mental disabilities, and to lesbian as well as heterosexual women. Wife abuse cuts across religions, political affiliations and geography.

There are some factors that increase the risk of wife abuse, particularly the risk of serious abuse where the woman is beaten, choked, sexually assaulted or assaulted with a weapon, or where the woman receives medical attention for injuries.

• The highest rates of wife assault are found among young women and men, (18-24 years) and among marital or common-law partnerships of fewer than two years.⁶ Teenaged wives are at the greatest risk of being killed by their husbands.⁷

 
• Men who had witnessed their fathers' violence toward their mothers inflicted more severe and repeated violence on their own wives than men whose fathers were not violent.

 
• Alcohol is a prominent but not a causal factor in wife abuse. In just over half of all violent incidents, the violent partner was drinking.⁹  The abuser was most likely to have been drinking when the woman suffered more serious abuse.¹⁰

 
• Women are at greater risk of severe violence or even of being murdered just after they leave their husbands or partners. A large majority of murders occur when a woman attempts to leave the relationship in order to escape her partner's attempts to control her.¹¹

 
• The risk of being killed by a spouse or partner is eight times higher for women in common-law relationships than in registered marriages.¹²

Remember:

All forms of abuse are attempts to controls Most men who physically abuse their partners also use controlling psychological and verbal abuse to keep them isolated and feeling worthless so that the women find it difficult to look for help and, support. The National Survey on Violence Against Women found that almost all men who inflicted very serious violence against their wives were also psychologically abusive.

Do We Know What Causes This Form of Violence?

• Over the years we have learned that there is no cause of wife abuse that can simply be eliminated to stop the violence. Wife abuse is a result of attitudes, values, jobs, economic and political realities that give the message that women are not "worth" as much as men.

 
• Researchers have found that people who believe they have the right to control their partner's actions (e.g. to decide whether or not wives should work outside the home or go out in the evening with friends) are more likely to be abusive. ¹³

 
• Research also shows that when a man's friends believe that he should be "the boss" and approve of slapping a woman to "keep her in line", he is much more likely to physically abuse during the marriage.¹⁴

 
• For women who are also members of racial, cultural or language minorities, women who have a disability, lesbians or elderly women, all of whom experience added discrimination, attitudes and values that portray women as unequal or as deserving abuse "to keep them in line" magnify the inequalities they live with each day. To stop the violence, we must all work to change attitudes, values and structures that condone and even encourage inequality and the abuse of power.

What Are the "Costs" of Wife Abuse?

• Wife abuse is not just a personal problem. it affects all of us. It reflects and grows from attitudes, values and economic realities that show disrespect for women and that see women as less important than men.

"Costs" for the Abused Women:

• Almost half (45%) of wife assault cases result in physical injury to the woman. The most frequent types of injuries are bruises (90%), cuts, scratches and burns (33%), broken bones (12 %) and fractures (11 %).¹⁵

 
• Close to 10 percent of injured women have also suffered internal injuries and miscarriages.¹⁶

 
• In many cases the woman is injured badly enough to require medical attention. According to the National Survey on Violence Against Women, four in ten women (that's over half a million women) injured by a partner saw a doctor or nurse for medical attention.¹⁷

 
• Women also suffer psychologically. A significant number report being depressed or anxious, fearful, less trusting, having lowered self-esteem, and having problems relating to men.¹⁸

 
• A quarter of the women who have lived with violence say they have turned to alcohol" drugs or medication to help them cope with the situation's

 
• In almost a third of the cases involving physical or sexual abuse, the woman had to take time off from work and other activities.²⁰

 
• Some women suffer from abuse all their lives. We now know that elder abuse is often wife abuse "grown old".

 
• And we can't forget that women are dying from abuse. Some women are murdered. Some die as a result of their injuries. Some die or will die of AIDS.

"Costs for Our Children:

• Children who witness violence are more likely to be in violent relationships when they become adults. According to Statistics Canada's National Survey on Violence Against Women, children witnessed violence against their mothers in almost 40 percent of violent marriages or common-law relationships. In more than half of these cases, children witnessed very serious forms of violence, where women were injured and often feared for their lives.²¹

 
• There is some evidence that in homes where the woman is abused, children are at greater risk of also being direct victims of physical and sexual abuse.²²

 
• Some children in abusive homes may suffer emotional abuse or neglect because their parents can't supply the energy, calm and sensitivity that children need.

 
• Children who grow up in violent homes may learn to use violence to solve problerns.²³

 
• Children can also lose one or both parents through violence. Their parents may be killed, permanently disabled, or permanently removed from the home by a child welfare agency.

"Costs" for the Abusive Partner:

• Abuse can result in a criminal record and the subsequent loss of a job or difficulty in getting a job after conviction.

 
• Many abusive men suffer from low self-esteem, frustration and guilt.²⁴

"Costs" for All of Us:

• Because we tolerate violence against women in our society, we pay dearly. Health costs for injuries and chronic health problems caused by abuse amount to about a billion dollars every year.²⁵

 
• Abused women are more prone to accidents and reduced concentration and productivity at work.

 
• We also pay a social cost in the form of children too traumatized to learn or develop normally, adult victims unable to function to their full potential, and diminished quality of family and community life.²⁶

What Can We Do?

If we really want to prevent wife abuse, we must all play a part. Here's what you can do to make a difference.

1.    Learn more about what your community is doing about wife abuse.

Your phone book may be an easy place to start. Telephone numbers for emergency shelters, sexual assault centres and distress lines are listed at the front of telephone directories in most cities and towns across Canada.²⁷

2.    Ask yourself if someone close to you is abused.

We learned, through the National Survey on Violence Against Women, that abused women still rely most heavily on friends, neighbours and family for support and help. But we also learned that many women (almost one quarter of those who suffer abuse) never tell anyone about the violence.²⁸

If you suspect or know that someone close to you is being abused:

- be there to listen, to believe her, to let her know she is not alone;

- support her feelings without judging.

- give her time to make her own decisions; help out with the day-to-day demands of life;

- find out about services she can use and share this information;

- help her discover the good things about herself and about her children;

- talk with her about what she can do to plan her own and her children's safety.

3.    Help organize awareness sessions through your church, mosque or synagogue, through your place of work, or perhaps through an association or club you belong to. The National Clearinghouse on Family Violence (see p. 8) can provide you with pamphlets and ideas for organizing these sessions.

4.    As a parent, you can teach children to value the contributions, rights and responsibilities of all individuals, regardless of gender, age, race, culture or ability.

5.    Ask yourself if you are being abused. Start with the following questions.

• Does your partner continually criticize what you wear, what you say, how you act and how you look?

 
• Does your partner often call you insulting and degrading names?

 
• Do you feel like you need to ask permission to go out and see your friends and family?

 
• Do you feel that no matter what you do, everything is always your fault?

 
• Do you feel like you're always walking on eggshells trying to avoid an argument?

 
• When you're late getting home, does your partner harass you about where you were and who you were with?

 
• Is your partner so jealous that you're always being accused of having affairs?

 
• Has your partner threatened to hurt you or the children if you leave?

 
• Does your partner force you to have sex?

 
• Has your partner threatened to hit you?

 
• Has your partner ever pushed, shoved or slapped you?²⁹

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may be abused and you may want to refer to the following support services.

Where to Go for Support Services
(Telephone numbers can be found at the front of your phone book)

- Transition house or shelter

- Police department

- Distress centre

- Sexual assault centre

- Social service agency

Do You Want to Learn More?

The National Clearinghouse on Family Violence can provide you with a list of publications that can be ordered free of charge. The Clearinghouse can also tell you about films and videos on wife abuse that can be borrowed through the National Film Board's regional offices.

Examples of Publications Available from the Clearinghouse:

Transition Houses and Shelters for Battered Women in Canada lists over 300 shelters, second-stage houses and transition houses. Telephone numbers are included.

There are more than 100 Canadian treatment programs for men who abuse women. Canada's Treatment Programs for Men Who Abuse Their Partners gives a brief description and contacts.

Wife Abuse: A Workplace Issue -A Guide for Change is a manual for the workplace that contains ideas to raise awareness of wife abuse.
Recognizing and learning from the unique needs and experiences of Aboriginal women and women from other minority cultural groups is essential in a country as diverse as Canada. The Clearinghouse has several publications that communicate the voices and wisdom of women from cultural minorities.

Examples of Resources Available Elsewhere

Taking Action: A Union Guide to Ending Violence Against Women is available from the Women's Research Centre, 101 -2245 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C., V6K 2E4.

The Canadian Teachers' Federation has produced Thumbs Down! to educate students from junior kindergarten to grade 12 about wife abuse, and about the attitudes from which it grows. Available from the Canadian Teachers' Federation, 110 Argyle Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 1B4.

Spiritual healing is for many women a central part of surviving violence and moving beyond a life that includes abuse. The Church Council on Justice and Corrections has produced two kits that build on the spiritual richness of individuals and groups to nourish understanding about abuse and its prevention and help strengthen relationships and communities. These kits can be purchased by calling 1-613-563-1688 or by writing to: The Church Council on Justice and Corrections, 507 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 1Z5.

Endnotes
 

1. Denham, Donna and Joan Gillespie. Wife Abuse: A Workplace Issue: A Guide for Change. 1991. Available from the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence.

 
2. Rodgers, Karen. "Wife Assault: The Findings of a National Survey." Juristat. Cat. 85-002, Vol. 14, Number 9. Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics. Statistics Canada. March 1994. Ottawa, Ontario.

 
3. ibid.

 
4. p. 8, op. cit.

 
5. Wilson, Margo and Martin Daly. "Spousal Homicide." p. 1. Juristat. Vol. 14, Number 8. Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics. Statistics Canada. March 1994. Ottawa, Ontario.

 
6. Rodgers, Karen. "Wife Assault: The Findings of a National Survey."

 
7. Wilson, Margo and Martin Daly. "Spousal Homicide," p. 2. op. cit.

 
8. ibid.

 
9. Rodgers, Karen. "Wife Assault: The Findings of a National Survey." p. 7. op. cit.

 
10. Johnson, Holly. "Risk Factors Associated with Non-Lethal Violence Against Women by Marital Partners."

 
11. Wilson, Margo and Martin Daly. "Spousal Homicide," pp. 1 and 6. Juristat. Vol. 14, Number 8. Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics. Statistics Canada. March 1994. Ottawa, Ontario. See also Johnson, Holly, "Risk Factors," p. 4. op. cit.

 
12. Wilson, Margo and Martin Daly, ibid. and Johnson, Holly. "Risk Factors Associated with Non-Lethal Violence Against Women by Marital Partners." Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics. Paper presented at the Homicide Research Working Group Annual Conference, June 12-15, 1994, Atlanta, Georgia.

 
13. DeKeseredy, Walter S. and Katherine Kelly. "Woman Abuse in University and College Dating Relationships: The Contribution of the Ideology of Familial Patriarchy" pp. 33 and 45. The Journal of Human Justice, Vol. 4, Number 2. Spring 1993.

 
14. Smith, Michael. "Male Peer Support of Wife Abuse: An Exploratory Study." Journal of Interpersonal Violence. December 1991.

 
15. Rodgers, Karen. "Wife Assault: The Findings of a National Survey" p. 8. op.cit.

 
16. p. 8, ibid.

 
17. p. 9, ibid.

 
18. p. 10, ibid.

 
19.  p. 11, ibid.

 
20. p. 9, Rodgers, Karen, op. cit.

 
21. ibid.

 
22. MacLeod, Linda. Battered But Not Beaten, p. 32. Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women. 1987. Ottawa, Ontario.

 
23. p. 33, op. cit.

 
24. p. 34, op. cit.

 
25. Day, Tannis. Costs of Violence Against Women. Preliminary Results for Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women. 1994. Ottawa, Ontario.

 
26. Alberta Social Services and Community Health, Office for the Prevention of Family Violence. Alberta's Special Report on Family Violence: Ideas for Action. p. 3. 1985. Edmonton, Alberta.

 
27. Most Canadian telephone companies publish emergency numbers (including services for abused women) at the front of their telephone books.

 
28. Rodgers, Karen. "Wife Assault: The Findings of a National Survey." op. cit.

 
29. Prieur, Deborah and Mary Rowles. Taking Action: A Union Guide to Ending Violence Against Women, p. 14. B.C. Federation of Labour and the Women's Research Centre. 1992.

This document was prepared by Linda MacLeod, Consultant, Policy Research, Public Speaking and Evaluation. For further information on family violence, please contact:

National Clearinghouse on Family Violence
Address Locator: 1909D1
Family Violence Prevention Unit
Public Health Agency of Canada
Health Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1B4

TI'Y/TDD users,  (613) 952-6396 or call toll-free number, 1-800-561-5643

September 1995

Our mission is to help the people of Canada
maintain and improve their health.
Health Canada

---

Elder Abuse

What is Elder Abuse?

There is no universal agreement on what constitutes elder abuse; however, the term is generally used to mean "the physical, psychosocial or financial mistreatment of a senior." Seniors may be vulnerable because of  frailty, poor health, and financial and emotional dependency. Neglect is commonly associated with abuse.

Physical abuse involves assault, rough handling, sexual abuse, or the withholding of physical necessities such as food, personal care, hygienic care, or medical care.¹

Psychosocial abuse involves verbal assault, social isolation, lack of affection, or denying seniors the chance to participate in decisions with respect to their own lives.

Financial abuse involves the misuse of money or property. This can include fraud or using the funds of elders for purposes contrary to their needs and interests.

Neglect can lead to any of these three types of abuse, and can be either active or passive. In passive neglect, the caregiver does not in-tend to injure the dependent elder; neglect is active when the caregiver consciously fails to meet the needs of the elder.

How Widespread is the Problem?

As the problem of elder abuse has only recently come to public attention, there are few statistics on the incidence and prevalence of  elder abuse. Even available figures are likely understated, as victims of abuse are reluctant to identify themselves.

A national Canadian study on the occurrence of elder abuse was conducted in 1989.² The survey contacted 2000 elders in private dwellings to obtain information on the 91 % of Canadian seniors who reside in private dwellings. The findings indicate the following:

• Approximately 4% of elders in Canadian private dwellings (approximately 98 000 people) reported being abused.

 
• Financial abuse is the most prevalent type of abuse, affecting 60 000 Canadian elders. It is more likely to be perpetrated by a distant relative or a non-relative than by a close family member. Only 7% of financial abusers are financially dependent on their elderly victims.

 
• Chronic verbal aggression, a component of psychosocial abuse, affects approximately 34 000 elderly Canadians.

 
• More than 18 000 elderly persons in Canada are subjected to more than one type of abuse.

 
• Approximately 12 000 seniors in Canada experience physical abuse. Victims of physical abuse are more likely than non-victims to be married. In the majority of cases, the abusers are spouses of the victim.

 
• Female victims of abuse outnumber male victims by approximately 5:3; however, this is roughly the same as the ratio of elderly women to men in the general population.

Facts to Consider

The Victim

• The age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, and income level of victims of elder abuse do not differ significantly from those of elders who are not victims.³

 
• Elders often do not take any action against their abusers. They may be ashamed, embarrassed, and unwilling to risk being rejected by loved ones.⁴

 
• Victims often rationalize abuse, blaming themselves in the belief that they once hurt the abuser.

 
• Victims abused by their sons or daughters occasionally feel inadequate and embarrassed, and blame themselves for poor child rearing.⁵

 
• Victims are usually reluctant to admit abuse is taking place and often refuse an offer of assistance. Elders would often rather endure the present situation than risk being sent to an institution.

The Abuser

• Those entrusted to care for an elder do not always have the necessary resources (knowledge, space, family support, family assistance, time, finances, temperament, or desire).⁶

 
• Abuse may be a consequence of the caregiver's personal problems, such as unemployment, drug or alcohol abuse, or failing personal relationships.

 
• Abuse may result when caregivers feel resentment toward an elder because of the loss of independence that comes with the responsibility of having to care for sorneone.⁷

 
• When questioned about the care being provided to the elder, it is natural for an abuser to show irritation or resentment by being evasive or refusing to answer at all.

Detecting Abuse

The following may indicate abuse; if you notice any of these symptoms or conditions, contact one of the support services listed below.

Physical Abuse Indicators

• frequent unexplained injuries (bruises, broken limbs, welts, cuts, and grip marks), accompanied by a habit of seeking medical assistance from a variety of locations

 
• reluctance to seek medical treatment for injuries or denial of their existence

 
• disorientation or grogginess (may indicate the misuse of medication)

 
• fear and edginess in the presence of a caregiver or family member

Psychosocial Abuse Indicators

• exclusion of an older person from discussions on major decisions

 
• absence of emotional warmth toward the elder

 
• social isolation - whether physically or emotionally imposed

 
• verbal assault (shouting, infantilization, degrading remarks)

Material Abuse Indicators

• cashing of pension cheques without proper authorization from the elder

 
• bills and expenses continuously unpaid

 
• standard of living not appropriate for an elder's income level

 
• sudden sale of property belonging to a senior person

 
• sudden revision of the elder's will, naming a new beneficiary

 
• disproportionately high contribution by the elder to household expenses

 
• granting of power of attorney under suspicious conditions

Indicators of Neglect

• malnutrition in an older person who cannot get food without help

 
• decline in personal hygiene

 
• disregard of elder in family affairs

 
• lack of needed medication or aids

 
• lack of material needs of life

Where to go for Support Services

• Police department

 
• Distress centre

 
• Hospital

 
• Mental health centre

 
• Social service agency

 
• Senior citizen home or day care centre

 
• Advocacy centre

 
• Public health department

What can be done to Prevent Elder Abuse?

The following list combines suggestions for individuals, groups and governments addressing the problem of elder abuse. Many of the areas are controversial and require more evaluation.

• Hold discussions between elders and potential caregivers focusing on the expectations of the elder for future arrangements.⁸

 
• Seriously consider plans to resettle elders into a private dwelling and consult all affected individuals. This would help to lessen negative feelings and preclude abuse.⁹

 
• Incorporate education on the aging process and elder abuse into the curricula of educational facilities.¹⁰

 
• Establish support groups to educate and counsel caregivers on emotional strains that can result from the responsibility of caring for a dependent adult.

 
• Establish groups and services (day care facilities, financial aid and homemaker services) to assist caregivers with daily responsibilities.¹¹ This would reduce the strain experienced by caregivers and increase the number of people in contact with elders, thereby increasing opportunities for identifying abuse.

 
• Establish counselling services and self-help groups to assist elders with problems and promote seniors' independence.

 
• Set up safe houses to provide abused elders with temporary respite.

 
• Set up advocacy programs in which an agent looks after legal and other interests on behalf of the elderly person. The agent can have obligations to parallel those of a trustee.¹²

 
• Ensure that available information, programs, and services are well publicized.

 
• Develop standard identification and intervention protocols to deal with suspected cases of elder abuse.¹³

 
• Establish registries for documenting suspected cases of elder abuse. This would show whether an individual has previously been suspected of abuse.

 
• Investigate the merit of legislation making it mandatory to report to the authorities any reasonable suspicion that an elder is being abused.

Suggested Reading

• A Review of the Social and Legal Issues Concerning Elder Abuse. Joseph P. Hornick, Lynn McDonald, Gerald B. Robertson, and Jean E. Wallace. Calgary: Canadian Research Institute for Law and the Family, 1988.

 
• Conflict in the Family. K. Pillemer and R. Wolf, eds. Dover, Massachusetts: Auburn House, 1986.

 
• Duty Bound: Elder Abuse and Family Care. Suzanne K. Steinmetz. Newbury Park, California: Sage Productions, 1988.

 
• Elder Abuse and Neglect. Alberta Senior Citizens Secretariat. Edmonton: Alberta Senior Citizens Secretariat, 1988.

 
• Elder Abuse and Neglect. Mary Joe Quinn and Susan K. Tomita. New York: Springer Publishing Company, 1986.

 
• Enhancing Awareness of Elder Abuse: ThreeEducation Models. Ottawa: Council on Aging of Ottawa-Carleton, 1988.

 
• Protection of the Elderly: A Study of Elder Abuse. Donna J. Shell. Winnipeg: [Department of National Health and Welfare], 1982.

 
• Violence et personnes âgées. Bélanger et al. Montréal: Les Cahiers de l'association québécoise de gerontologie, 1981.

Audiovisual. The Family Prevention Division of Health and Welfare Canada has compiled films and videos on elder abuse which can be borrowed free of charge through the regional offices of the National Film Board.

Endnotes

1.    Donna J. Shell, Protection of the Elderly: A Study of Elder Abuse (Winnipeg: Department of National Health and Welfare, 1982), p. 24.

2.    Elizabeth Podnieks et al., National Survey on Abuse of the Elderly in Canada (Toronto: Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, 1990). Copies available from National Clearinghouse on Family Violence.

3.    Joseph P. Hornick et al., A Review of the Social and Legal Issues Concerning Elder Abuse (Calgary: Canadian Research Institute for Law and the Family, 1988), p. vii.

4.    Wendy Johnson-Brown, Abuse of Elderly Women (Winnipeg: Senior Women Against Abuse Collective, 1989), p. 22.

5.    Suzanne K. Steinmetz, "'Elder Abuse," Aging, Feb. 1981, p. 7.

6.    Nancy Gnaedinger, Elder Abuse: A Discussion Paper (Ottawa: National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, 1989), p. 18.

7.    Elizabeth Podnieks, "Elder Abuse: It's Time We Did Something About It, "The Canadian Nurse, Vol. 81, #11, December 1985. Offprints available from National Clearinghouse on Family Violence.

8.    Gnaedinger, ibid.

9.    Ibid.

10.   Podneiks, National Survey, p. 83.

11.   Shell, p. 19.

12.   Mary Ellen Welsh, Report on Focus on Elder Abuse Workshop (Regina: University of Regina, 1989), p. 23.

13.   Council on Aging of Ottawa-Carleton, Enhancing Awareness of Elder Abuse: Three Education Models, March 1988.

This document was prepared by Natalie I. Migus. The contribution of the following individuals is gratefully acknowledged: Jeanette Bartlett, Seniors Secretariat, Health and Welfare Canada; Dick Carr, Saskatchewan Seniors Directorate; Catherine Luke, Ontario Office for Senior Citizens; John Angus Mackenzie, Nova Scotia Senior Citizens Secretariat; Judy Murakami, Ministry of Health; Elizabeth Podnieks, Ryerson Polytechnical Institute of Toronto; Dr. Vincent Sacco, Queen's University; Diets Habets, Gordon E. Phaneuf, Sue Tracey and Meena Trotman, Family Violence Prevention Unit, Health and Welfare Canada.

For further information on elder abuse or other family violence issues, contact:

National Clearinghouse on Family Violence
Family Violence Prevention Unit
Social Service Programs Branch
Health and Welfare Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1B5
(613) 957-2938

or call toll free number, 1-800-267-1291

November, 1990
 
 

FAMILY VIOLENCE COMMUNITY RESOURCE LIST

EMERGENCY SERVICES	Write in local telephone number here
POLICE/RCMP......................................................... 911 (if available), or local detachment number________________  HOSPITAL EMERGENCY.......................................___________________________  CRISIS/LINE (24 HOURS).......................................___________________________    Some of the following resources will be available in your area. Telephone numbers can be found in the telephone book, via Information Services in your community, or by asking representatives of any union counselling or employee assistance programs. Child Protection Services........................................... ___________________________ Women's Shelters/Women's Centres ........................ ____________________________ Sexual Assault Centres..............................................  ___________________________ Sexual Abuse Services..............................................   ___________________________ Medical Health Services............................................  ___________________________  Mental Health Services..............................................  ___________________________ Counselling Services (Children's Aid Family services, Private Counsellors).......................... ___________________________ Legal Aid..................................................................  ___________________________ Financial Assistance................................................... ___________________________ Food Bank................................................................  ___________________________ Immigrant/Refugee Oranizations.................................  ___________________________  Native Organizations.................................................. ___________________________  Support Groups .......................................................  ___________________________ Seniors' Services.......................................................  ___________________________ ................................................................................  ___________________________ ................................................................................  ___________________________ ................................................................................  ___________________________

Remember: if a particular resource is unable (or unwilling) to help, try other resources until you find the help you need.
 
 

FAMILY VIOLENCE LET'S TALK ABOUT IT A 55 MINUTE DISCUSSION   What is family violence?  How does it affect us? Is there help in our community?        WHEN?________________________________________________________  Time and date WHERE?_______________________________________________________  Location/address       For more information contact:  ____________________________  Name(s) ___________________________  Telephone Session material is based on information from the national clearing house on Family Violence,  Health Issues Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1B4.

 
 

FAMILY VIOLENCE: AWARENESS INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE IN THE WORKPLACE
AGENDA
Introductions
Overview of Family Violence	10 minutes
Examples	10 minutes
Impact of Family Violence	10 minutes
Helping Steps	10 minutes
Discussing the quiz	10 minutes
Wind Up: Where do we go from here?	5 minutes

 

QUIZ ON FAMILY VIOLENCE
Circle your response: TRUE or FALSE
1.	Family violence occurs most often in lower income families.	T	F
2.	Family violence is only about physical abuse.	T	F
3.	Women are the only victims of family violence.	T	F
4.	The victims of family violence are often to blame for the violence.	T	F
5.	Family violence is a private family matter.	T	F
6.	Alcohol causes violence in families	T	F
7.	family violence has little impact on children.	T	F
8.	People who are abusive are "mentally ill."	T	F

IMPACT OF FAMILY VIOLENCE

Family violence has a serious impact on our lives, our families, school and workplace life and the community.
Consider the "ripple effect" of an incident of family violence, in this case, a woman who is hit by her husband
and whose child is witness to the violence.

 
  HELPING STEPS
 

SHOW RESPECT

• accept the fact the person is speaking about being abused and believe them
• show you care
• be honest and genuine
• say, "It's not your fault."
• listen and let them talk about their feelings

ENSURE CONFIDENTIALITY

• talk in a quiet place
• assure them you will not repeat the conversation
• if they tell you about a child who they suspect is being abused, tell them that reporting of suspected abuse to child protection authorities or the police is required by law

BE OPEN-MINDED

• avoid judging people
• keep your personal feelings and opinions to. yourself
• do not blame
• offer alternatives, not advice
• be patient; people will take action to leave an abusive situation when they are ready

OFFER SUPPORT

• let them know they're not alone
• remember, people make their own decisions; don't tell them what to do
• believe in their ability to make changes when they are ready
• tell them about help available in the workplace: friends,

co-workers, employee assistance program or union counsellors
• tell them that help is available in the community.

(Give them the FAMILY VIOLENCE COMMUNITY RESOURCE LIST.)
• ask them if they want you to check back with them