Family violence
The need to isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in families spending more time together at home. For individuals experiencing family violence, this means being trapped in situation with someone that makes them feel scared, unsafe or threatened.
For more information on where to turn or how to support someone you care about, please refer to the Family Violence Toolkit, call Family and Community Services for more information (780-464-4044) or visit the pages below
Supports
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If someone is in immediate danger |
911 |
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Family and Community Services Strathcona County social supports |
780-464-4044 |
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A Safe Place Shelter for women who have been abused and their children |
780-464-7233 |
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Family Violence Info Line 24-hour support |
310-1818 |
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Child Abuse Hotline In cases of abuse or neglect of a child |
1-800-387-5437 |
Are you OK? Not sure where to start? Permanent link to are-you-ok-not-sure-where-to-start
Want to help?
It is up to all of us to help. As family, friends, neighbours and colleagues, we can be a lifeline to those experiencing domestic violence
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We all have a role to play in ending family violence.
- Take the White Ribbon pledge as a symbol of your commitment to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence.
- The Moose Hide Campaign is a grassroots movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys who are standing up against violence towards women and children.
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All relationships have ups and downs. We all react differently when experiencing the downs in our relationships.
When something goes wrong in your relationships, how do you handle the situation?
Have you ever…
- Yelled, accused, ‘name-called’ or ‘put-down’ the other person?
- Focused on winning, instead of a solution?
- Destroyed the other person’s belongings?
- Tried to control the other person’s behaviour?
- Harassed or threatened the other person?
- Made the other person feel scared of you?
The hardest part about changing your behaviour is first admitting you need to. If someone else is scared of you or if people tell you that your behaviour is frightening, consider their past experiences with you. Changing your behaviour takes courage, effort and determination. Once you begin to make these changes, it will bring you and others’ lifelong rewards.
Call and/or learn more from one of these resources to help develop new ways of relating to those you love;
Strathcona County Family and Community Services Phone 780-464-4044
The Family Centre Phone: 780-423-2831
The Edmonton John Howard Society Phone: 780-428-7590
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If you think someone is in immediate danger, call the RCMP at 9-1-1.
Reach out respectfully and 'open the door'. Ask yourself "what do I say or do if I suspect or know someone is in an unhealthy relationship?". Although it can be uncomfortable and difficult to reach out, a comment or small gesture can make a meaningful difference in someone's life.
Many individuals believe talking about family violence is a private matter. We are all connected and family violence affects us all. Each person has an important role in keeping families safe - Reach Out and Speak Out.
- Let the person know you are there if and when needed;
- Listen without judgement
- Provided support that does not include advice on what to say or do;
- Take the situation seriously
- Respect the person's decision; and
- Find out more information on family violence and our community's resources
The person might not be ready to talk about the situation. Just remember you have opened the door to be a support if or when the individual is ready.
The sooner you open the door for the person to talk, the sooner that person can get connected to available resources.
If you want to help someone with abusive behaviour, focus on the specific behaviour not the person and support the individual. The Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children has a good resource on how to identify and talk to men who show abusive behaviour. However, we should all be aware that anyone can show abusive behaviour. Here are some ways you could talk to someone you know with abusive behaviour:
- Can I help?
- If you need to talk, I am here.
- The way you treat your family is not ok and needs to stop. This is your responsibility to stop (direct statements can have their place, but engaging in arguments and too much confrontation can make things worse).
- Can I offer you some support in ways to respectfully interact with your family members?
More information on how to help someone you care about:
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Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity to network, give back to the community and meet new people?
Look no further! A new opportunity awaits you at:
For more information:
Phone: 780-464-4044
Fax: 780-449-1220
Email: familyandcommunity@strathcona.ca
