Violence has many different faces.
Here are a few definitions and links to learn more.
Acquaintance rape is perpetrated by a person who knows the victim. It includes a subcategory of incidents labeled date rape that involves people who are in a romantic or sexual relationship with each other. When a rape is perpetrated by a college student on another student, the term “campus rape” is sometimes used. Some examples include someone the victim is dating, a classmate, co-worker, employer, family member, spouse, councillor, therapist, religious official, or medical doctor.
An act committed against someone's sexual integrity without that person’s freely given consent. It can be physical and/or non-contact, affects all ages and genders, and the person committing the act may be known or a stranger. It is against the law – both civil and criminal – and includes but is not limited to:
• sexual assault
• sexual harassment
• sexual exploitation
Call Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24 hours) Edmonton 1-866-956 -1099
Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24 hours)
Red Deer 1- 403 -356 -1099
Sexual Abuse (AB Social Services)
1-780-423-4102
Bullying is repeated and targeted aggression and does not need to be physical to be hurtful. Physical bullying may be more present during elementary school years, while more covert forms such as social and cyber-bullying can take precedence during high school. Bullying behaviors extend into adulthood and can be found in any situation where adults gather. Bullying Helpline: 1-888-456-2323
Child Abuse
Child abuse is defined by the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act. Anyone can contact Child Intervention when they are worried about the safety or well-being of a child or youth.
Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-387-5437 (KIDS) to get help if you, or children you know, are being neglected, abused or sexually exploited. If you believe a child is at risk, you must report it. Help is available in multiple languages 24/7. Child abuse, neglect and exploitation have many different warning signs. Learn to recognize them.
Includes the use of email, cell/smart phones, text messages and internet sites to threaten, harass, embarrass, socially exclude or damage reputations and friendships.
Bullying Helpline: 1-888-456-2323
Any action or inaction by a person(s) in a trusting relationship that causes harm and distress to an older adult
Elder abuse can take several forms including financial, physical, sexual abuse or neglect. Often more than one type of abuse occurs at the same time to an individual.
Seniors Abuse Helpline: (780) 454-8888
Family violence is the abuse of power within relationships of family, trust or dependency that endangers the survival, security or well-being of another person. It can include many forms of abuse including spouse abuse, senior abuse and neglect, child abuse and neglect, child sexual abuse, parent abuse, and witnessing abuse of others in the family. Family violence may include some or all of the following behaviours: physical abuse, psychological abuse, criminal harassment/ stalking, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse and spiritual abuse.
Exposure occurs when children or youth witness violence being done by one family member to another.
Exposure to family violence harms children now and in their future.
There’s an increasing body of studies and empirical evidence that suggest there are definite links between animal cruelty and human violence. Many studies in Canada and the U.S. have demonstrated this connection.
Report an Animal in Distress (outside Edmonton and Calgary) call 1-800-455-9003
Violence in the workplace is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide.
Suicide is intentional self- harm causing death.
Crisis Line (24 hours):
(780) 482-HELP (4357)
TEXT 9-8-8
Abuse can happen in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, trans-identified, two-spirited and queer relationships (LGBTQ) just as it can in any other intimate relationship. Research shows that about one-quarter to one-third of people in LGBTQ relationships have experienced abuse on dates or with live-in partners.
Between 1999 and 2004, more than half a million men in Canada had a female partner who was violent toward them. The partner might have been a wife, an ex-wife or a common-law partner. This means about six per cent of men in intimate relationships have experienced abuse or violence from their partners.
A disability is any limitation that significantly affects a person’s mobility, agility, sight, hearing, verbal communication, or intellectual functioning. It also includes limitations arising from psychological, emotional, or mental health issues. According to some studies, persons with disabilities are 50 percent more likely to be victims of violence or abuse.
Family violence in Aboriginal communities impacts children, youth, Elders and families. It compromises the integrity of Aboriginal culture, traditions, and values.
“Our strength is in our visions and dreams, our ability to interpret the songs, dances of the earth, sky, spirit worlds, if we can remember our purpose, we will survive.”
Call the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 to get help anonymously in more than 170 languages, or find family violence and domestic violence supports.
We can all take steps to learn more about it and understand:
• family violence is an abuse of power in a family or other trusting relationship where people rely on each other
• anyone can experience family violence
• when someone experiences family violence, their well-being, security and survival are threatened
• family violence is a crime and people have legal rights to protection
• increase our personal awareness and take action to prevent family violence
• help ourselves or anyone who is experiencing an abusive relationship
• encourage others to learn more and take action
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For further information on these and other forms of violence, call (780) 621-2363 or email pembinacrisisconnectionsociety@gmail.com