What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence comes in many forms, and it extends beyond physical harm. It is crucial to recognize that anyone, irrespective of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief or socioeconomic status, may experience domestic violence.

It is defined as one involving a physical or sexual assault, or threat of such violence, against an intimate partner (Public Prosecution Service of Canada, 2022). 

An intimate relationship is defined as a relationship between opposite-sex or same-sex partners. These relationships vary in duration and legal formality, and include:

• Current and former dating relationships
• Current and former common-law relationships
• Current and former married relationships

Form of abuse or violence

• Physical violence / abusesome text
  • Acts to physically injure and harm one’s safety. It could also mean withholding basic needs like water and food.
  • E.g., hitting, choking, slapping, punching, shoving, forcing drug/alcohol use, etc.

• Sexual violencesome text
  • The act of forcing or manipulating someone else into unwanted sexual activity without their consent. 
  • E.g., any sexual acts without consent, threats of repercussions for refusing sexual activity, forcing someone to watch or participate in the making of pornography, sexually degrading language and comments, etc.

• Emotional / psychological abusesome text
  • It is the use of different tactics to manipulate someone’s thoughts and actions, harming their self-esteem and emotional well-being.
  • E.g, emotional blackmail, withholding affection, 

• Verbal abusesome text
  • It is a form of emotional abuse involving the use of verbal, gestural or written language to inflict harm, instill fear or gaining control over someone else.
  • E.g., insulting, labeling, speaking aggressively, intimidation, threats of harm

• Finance abusesome text
  • Unauthorized or fraudulent manipulation of family financial assets and gaining control over family members.
  • E.g., using family money without permission, controlling funds access, and denying employment opportunities among family members.

• Technology-facilitated violence (also referred to as cyberviolence)some text
  • Use of technologies to facilitate virtual or in-person harm.
  • E.g., observing and listening to a person through the use of technologies, tracking victim’s location, monitoring and forced access to victim’s personal technology devices, etc.

The Cycle of Violence

Domestic violence does not appear as a single incident but is often a cycle of multiple events.

Stage 1: Tension Building

• Tension and stress accumulated from daily life / past family history
• E.g., financial constraints, conflicts at home

Stage 2: An Incident of Abuse

• An outbreak of violence and other forms of abuse (refer to the forms mentioned above) inflicting harm to the victim and their family.

Stage 3: Justification and Reconciliation

• An act of kindness or denying responsibility after an event to maintain the relationship.
• Common approaches include:some text
  • Asking for forgiveness
  • Denise the abuse ever occurred
  • Exonerate responsibilities
  • Promise that it won’t happen again

Stage 4: Honeymoon & Calm

• The relationship returns to relative peace and calm and back to stage 1.
• The cycle will begin again when tension and stress gradually accumulate.

Recognizing the signs of abuse

• Coercion and threats
• Exerting power and control
• Denial and accusations
• Intimidation
• Isolating yourself from others
• Abusing and / or neglecting your children / pets
• Limit your access to cash and credit cards
• Track where you go and whom you speak to

What should I do if I am a victim of Domestic Abuse?

The first and the hardest step is to reach out to community agencies for help. 

Communities actress BC have various victim support programs to meet the cultural and language needs of clients. 

We, Chinese Community Policing Centre provides confidential services to victims of crime including safety planning and resource referral. A report to the police is not necessary to access our services. Contact us to speak with our victim services worker

What should I do if someone I know is a victim of Domestic Abuse?

Everyone can help in different capacities:

• Regularly check in with the affected person
• Create a code word with them for emergencies
• Help them recognize the abusive behavior
• Look or reach out to suitable community Resources

Remember to ask for permission before you help!