The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
November is Domestic Violence Protection Month. Abuse takes many forms; all used to gain control over another person. Where there is physical abuse, there is usually other forms of abuse as well. Physical abuse is most readily recognized; a person who has a black eye or a broken bone knows they are being abused. But often there are other more subtle and complex forms of abuse that makes it difficult to identify. People living in abusive relationships often do not recognize the abuse. Physical violence, including hitting, pushing, stabbing or killing, is the most commonly understood form of violence. All forms of physical violence are crimes under the Criminal Code. Sexual violence is any form of non-consensual or forced sexual activity or touching, including rape. All forms of sexual violence are crimes under the Criminal Code. Psychological abuse includes insults, humiliation, put-downs and yelling, which are not crimes but can be very damaging. It also includes threats, forcible confinement, harming pets, damaging property, or criminal harassment, which are crimes. Financial abuse includes restricting access to family resources, inheritance, employment opportunities or the seizure of pay cheques. Unless theft, fraud or some form of coercion is employed, financial abuse is not necessarily a crime. Spousal violence refers to physical or sexual violence or psychological or financial abuse within current or former marital or common-law relationships, including same-sex spousal relationships. If you or someone you know is or has been a victim of abuse and would like to talk about it, please call 681-3105 Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Confidentiality is assured!
