Violence

Violence

Interpersonal violence, or violence between two or more persons, can happen in families, between people who know each other, and between strangers. Violence includes the use or threat of physical force, unwanted sexual contact, using technology to control or cause harm, neglect; and emotional abuse such as control, manipulation, and name calling. Violence puts people at risk for injuries, mental health concerns, substance use concerns, chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and social problems.

Call 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

We all have a role in stopping violence in our community

There are things we can all do to help make our community safer for everyone:

  • Learn to recognize common myths that contribute to violence and how bystanders can intervene safely and effectively to stop violence such as sexual violence and intimate partner violence.
  • Encourage social norms about what behaviours are expected or okay and that help people stay safe, including consent.
  • Learn to communicate clearly and constructively, manage emotions, empathize with others, and resolve problems and conflicts without aggression in your relationships.
  • Know and recognize what a safe date is, and signs of gender-based violence.
  • Take care of your mental health and understand the risks of violent behaviour associated with alcohol and other substances.
  • Learn more about how to break the intergenerational cycle of unhealthy relationships.
  • Contact Crime Stoppers if you are worried that someone you know who owns a firearm may harm themselves or someone else.

Parents and caregivers, educators, childcare providers, and other adults have a role in preventing violence between and against children and youth.

Learn about parenting and non-violent discipline strategies

Parenting comes with many unknowns and stressors. Using physical punishments (e.g., spanking, hitting, and pushing) is not okay, and is not effective for changing your child’s challenging behaviours. Physical punishment teaches your child to use violence to solve problems, and it also reduces their trust in you. Many people find it helpful to learn more about strategies to support their child’s development, respond to challenging behaviours and situations, and resources available for families in the community.

Learn how to prevent and address violence

Conflict between siblings is common. Parents have an important role to help children learn how to manage their emotions, communicate boundaries, and respectfully resolve conflicts with their siblings and peers. Children sometimes bully or abuse their siblings. This often involves a power imbalance that makes it hard for a child to protect or defend themselves. When sibling violence is taking place, both the child being harmed and the child causing the harm need help. Learn more about how to recognize sibling violence.

Ending violence when violence happens

Information and services are available to help people who experience violence, use violent behaviour, or know someone who is experiencing or using violence. Informal supports (e.g., neighbours, friends, family, educators, employers, co-workers, members of a faith community) can play a critical role in preventing and ending violence.

Job-protected leave is available through the Employment Standards Act for employees who experience domestic or sexual violence or whose child experiences domestic or sexual violence. Domestic violence means violence that happens between members of a home or a family unit.

Bullying is aggressive behaviour that is meant to cause harm, fear, distress, isolate, or create a negative environment for another person. It usually involves repeated incidents or a pattern of behaviour towards a particular person or a group of people. Bullying can happen in many places, including schools and workplaces. Use of the internet and technology to bully is called cyberbullying. No matter how you are experiencing bullying, support is available.

Elder abuse refers to any form of physical, emotional, or financial mistreatment or neglect of an older person. The Seniors Safety Line is a 24-7, confidential and free resource for seniors experiencing abuse. Call 1-866-299-1011 for emotional support, safety planning, information and referrals.

Family violence is any form of violence, abuse or neglect experienced by a child or adult from a family member or from someone that they have an intimate relationship with.

Intimate partner violence is all forms of violence that happen within an intimate partner relationship, including by a former partner. The violence can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial. Other words used for this form of violence include domestic abuse, spousal violence, woman abuse, and dating violence.

Help is available for Indigenous women, and in French, as well as over 200 languages. iHEAL is a free, private, and secure app that helps women who are experiencing or have experienced intimate partner violence – as well as their family and friends – access information and resources to find personalized ways to stay safe and be well.

Resources are available to help survivors with IPV-caused brain injuries.

Local services include:

Hastings and Prince Edward Counties

Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington

Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark Counties

Sexual violence is a violent, physical or psychological act by sexual means or by targeting sexuality. Free, confidential and non-judgemental support is available through the Assaulted Women’s Helpline. Male survivors of sexual abuse can access 24-7 support by calling 1-866-887-0015. Local services include:

Hastings and Prince Edward Counties

Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington

Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark Counties

Technology-facilitated violence is the use of technologies (e.g., computers, smartphones, and smart home devices) and digital platforms (e.g., websites, social media, and apps) to intimidate, embarrass, harass, or control someone. It includes many different behaviours, including sexual harassment, surveillance and stalking, revenge porn, impersonation, and doxxing. Technology is often used as part of other forms of violence, such as bullying and intimate partner violence.

Youth dating violence are actions within a romantic or sexual relationship that involve aggression, violence, manipulation or threats.

Information for employers

Employers can help to build a healthier and more productive workplace by preventing workplace violence and harassment.

Make It Our Business provides information and education to help employers and other workplace stakeholders meet their obligations under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act.

This training will increase employers’ awareness of sexual harassment and violence and provides an understanding of the Canada Labour Code.