If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or your local police emergency number. Support services are available to help.
Abuse happens when someone hurts, mistreats, intimidates, isolates, dominates or controls another person. It can be a pattern of behaviour or a single incident. Abuse can involve actions, words or neglect.
Abuse can happen to anyone, including:
- A family member
- Someone in a romantic relationship
- A spouse or former spouse
- A current or former intimate partner
- A child or youth
- An older adult
Abuse can take many forms, including:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Financial abuse
You may experience more than one type of abuse.
Examples of physical abuse include:
- Hitting
- Pushing
- Burning
- Pinching
- Punching
- Shooting
- Slapping
- Kicking
- Stabbing or cutting
These acts are forms of assault.
If someone is abusing you, it is not your fault. Review Abuse is Wrong, a resource for anyone experiencing abuse in a relationship or family.
Talking about abuse can be difficult. You may feel ashamed or afraid that family and friends will not believe you. Some people may tell you that abusive behaviour is normal in a relationship, while others may be threaten you to keep quiet. You may also worry about being rejected by your community if you leave the relationship.
Remember: nothing you do gives anyone the right to abuse you. There is never an excuse for abuse.
Many people experience a cycle of abuse. Tension builds over time until the abusive person becomes violent. After the violence, there may be a calm period. The person who acted abusively may apologize and promise it will not happen again. However, the tension often returns, and the abuse may continue.
Others experience an escalating pattern of abuse. Over time, the abuse becomes more severe and happens more often.
VictimLinkBC is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throught British Columbia. Staff can connect you with community, social, health, justice and government services, including victim services, transition houses and counselling.
Victim Services can help you find services for victims of crime across Canada. Visit their website to find an office near you. Staff can help you create a safety plan and connect you with legal aid, social workers and counselling services.
Family doctors and public health nurses can provide advice if you are experiencing abuse. They can help treat physical and emotional injuries or refer you to other support services.
