Goal of the Program
The goal of the program is to reduce violence against women within the African Canadian community through culturally sensitive and language specific services. The program engages clients through providing information and support on violence prevention, public education workshops/group discussions on relevant issues, supportive group and individual counselling, referrals and peer support services.
Target Groups
Abused women or women that are at risk of abuse and violence
Children who have or are at risk of experiencing abuse or have witnessed abuse in their homes
Men victims or perpetrators of abuse and violence
Families living in abusive/violent relationships
What is Woman Abuse?
Woman abuse is any verbal threat or physical force used to create fear and control what a woman does.With all abuse, the abuser has more power than the victim. The abuser is always the one responsible for his or her behaviour. Abusers often use alcohol as an excuse. But the real cause is their need to use violence to control another person.
Activities
Weekly public education and group sessions on relevant topics
Supportive counselling sessions in group or individual settings
Participation in relevant volunteer activities
Self care, self esteem and self confidence building activities
Field trips to local agencies that help victims of abuse and domestic violence
Employment and self sufficiency support programs
Strategies for removing yourself from abusive relationship
Referral to appropriate community resources for example Legal Aid, Clinical counselling services, affordable housing services, shelters etc, social welfare programs, food banks, employment services etc.
Accompaniment to appointments
What is Woman Abuse?
Woman abuse is any verbal threat or physical force used to create fear and control what a woman does.
With all abuse, the abuser has more power than the victim. The abuser is always the one responsible for his or her behaviour. Abusers often use alcohol as an excuse. But the real cause is their need to use violence to control another person.
Forms of Abuse
A woman can be abused in different ways. Following are just some examples:
Physical abuse
Slapping or biting the woman, or pulling her hair
Destroying her property
Abusing her loved ones
"Caring" for her in an abusive way. This can include things like giving her too much medication or keeping her confined.
Using a weapon or other objects to threaten, hurt or kill her.
Psychological or emotional abuse
Threats
Threatening to take the children away from her
Threatening to put her in an institution
Threatening to tell friends, family and her employer that she is a lesbian
Threatening to commit suicide
Threatening to withdraw immigration sponsorship, or have her deported
Stalking or harassing her.
Control
Controlling her time, what she does, how she dresses and wears her hair
Putting limits on who she can visit or talk to on the phone
Keeping her away from friends and relatives. This is also called "isolation."
Not respecting her privacy
Denying sex, affection or personal care.
Verbal abuse
Putting her down and calling her names all the time
Describing her as stupid, crazy or irrational
Accusing her of cheating
Attacking her self-esteem in other ways.
Sexual abuse
Touching or acting sexual in any way that she doesn't want
Forcing or pressuring her into sexual acts
Forcing her to be a prostitute
Not letting her have information and education about sexuality
Forcing her to get pregnant, have an abortion, or have an operation so she can't have children.
Infecting her with HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Neglect and isolation
Not letting a woman see a doctor or dentist
Taking away TTY, hearing aids or a guide dog
Locking a woman in the house without a phone
Not allowing her to take courses in ESL (English as a Second Language).
Financial abuse or exploitation
Controlling how she spends money, where she works and what property she buys
Spending all family income including her money or savings
Using credit cards without her permission; destroying her credit rating
Forcing her to turn over her benefit payments to the abuser.
Spiritual abuse
Putting down or attacking a woman's spiritual beliefs
Not allowing her to attend the church, synagogue or temple of her choice
Forcing her to join or stay in a cult.
Information on abuse courtesy of Education Wife Assault.
For more information, please contact us at 905-460-9514 or Fax905-460-9769.