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Guidance for Families

What is Family Violence?

Family violence means an abuse of power within a relationship of family, trust or dependency, and includes many forms of abusive behavior.

Family violence has both short and long term effects. Research shows that children living in violent homes suffer emotional abuse as a consequence of witnessing family violence.

There are Many Kinds of Abuse

Physical Abuse includes hitting, pulling, pushing, pinching, slapping, shaking, squeezing, arm-twisting, using a weapon, and threatening to assault.

Sexual Abuse includes forcing anyone to have sexual relations against their will, any unwanted touching, or kissing. Anyone always has the right to say "no."

Social Abuse includes not giving a person space or privacy, treating them like a servant, controlling what they do, who they see, who they talk to and where they go.

Emotional Abuse includes yelling, intimidation, making a person think they are crazy or stupid, insulting, name-calling, blaming, and overpowering their emotions.

Family Violence Prevention and the CF

Family violence in any form is a priority issue that is being addressed within the Canadian Forces. It has an impact on the whole community, not just the family involved. The unfortunate part is that family violence left unaddressed, can escalate.

If you are experiencing or witnessing family violence... seek help!

Need Help or More Information?

Family violence is a very private and emotionally charged issue. It is a difficult topic to talk about.

Take a Stand! Make the call! Contact your local Military Family Resource Centre. They can help. [ All inquiries will be kept in strictest confidence ]

Where To Go For Support in the CF:

  • Base/Wing Family Crisis Team
     
  • Military Police
     
  • Chaplains
     
  • Social Work Officers
     
  • Medical Officers
     
  • CFMAP: 1-800-268-7708

Where To Go For Support outside the CF:

  • Emergency Services
     
  • Shelters
     
  • Victims Services
     
  • Rape Crisis or Sexual Assault Support Centers
     
  • Social or Family Service Agency
     
  • Children’s Aid Society Hospitals

Or contact a member of your local Base/Wing Family Crisis Team, which includes representation from:

  • Military Family Resource Centre
     
  • Social Work Officer
     
  • Chaplain’s Office
     
  • Military Police
  • Health Promotion