About intimate partner violence

The World Health Organization defines intimate partner violence as behaviour within an intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual or psychological harm, including acts of physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviours. This definition covers violence by both current and former spouses and partners.

ln Canada, 80% of survivors of intimate partner violence say the violence they experience is not reported to the police by the survivor or by someone else (Statistics Canada 150statcan.gc.ca).

All forms of abuse are unacceptable. Everyone has the right to live in safety and with dignity, free from intimidation and the threat of violence.

Who is affected by intimate partner violence

Intimate partner violence can affect anyone, regardless of their age, background or identity.

Men experience intimate partner violence, but it affects women at a much higher rate. Eight out of 10 people who experience intimate partner violence are women or girls.

Women and children may face a higher risk of intimate partner violence as a result of their intersectional identities. For example, Indigenous women are:

  • almost twice as likely as non-Indigenous women to experience intimate partner violence
  • Two to 3 times more likely to experience severe forms of physical intimate partner violence (Statistics Canada statcan.gc.ca).

Impact on survivors

Intimate partner violence can have short- and long-term impacts on survivors’ physical, emotional and mental health. These include:

  • mental health and addiction problems
  • financial or economic insecurity
  • homelessness
  • pain and physical ailments
  • traumatic brain injuries

Get help for yourself or someone else

If you are in danger, call 911 or your local police immediately.

If there is no immediate danger, and you are a victim or survivor of intimate partner violence, or if you’re worried about someone else, you can get help by connecting with resources such as:

Hide your internet activity

You can find helpful resources and support online for survivors of gender-based violence. But it’s important to know that your browser saves a record of your internet activity.

If you are concerned that someone is trying to see where you have been online, there are steps you can take to stay safe.

Learn how to hide your internet activity.