Family Violence Counselling Program

Family Violence Issues
Children and Teens
Women
Address and Phone Number

Family Violence Issues

Family violence is a serious and significant problem. It is a problem which can be life threatening. It is a problem which subjects women to physical, sexual, emotional or economic harm. Children are also harmed by growing up in violent homes. Children who witness family violence often feel unhappy, unsafe and responsible for the violence in their families.

It is estimated that ONE IN FOUR WOMEN in Canada are victims of family violence.
ONE IN THREE GIRLS are victims in dating relationshipps before the age of 18.
It is estimated that over 150,000 CHILDREN in Canada witness violence in their homes eacy year.
Every SIX DAYS A WOMAN is murdered in Canada.
BOYS who grow up in violent homes are ten times more likely to be violent partners than boys who do not witness such violence.
GIRLS who grow up in violent homes where they witness the abuse of their mothers are less likely to be assertive and more likely to be victimized later in life in some manner by males.
FAMILY VIOLENCE once started, is usually repeated. It seldom stops by itself. Counselling and other services are often needed to help stop the violence and undo the harm which has been done.

Children and Teens

Teen Dating Violence Forums

For Females ages 13 - 19
The group meets weekly for eight to ten sessions and is facilitated by staff from the Family Violence Program and school personnel.

The topics covered are:

Types of Abuse
Early identification of abusive relationships
Self esteem
Helping a friend
The Cycle of violence
Personal safety planning
Agencies and resources available for help and support

The profile of the group varies, but in each group there are young women who have experienced and endured very abusive relationships, and others who are concerned about friends or family members.

Upon completion of each group the girls are given an opportunity to pass the information on.
Presentations are made to students within their own school or in many cases the girls have chosen to do presentations for the students in grade 7 and 8 classes on healthy relationships.

Group Counselling

A ten week Group Counselling Program for children aged 6 to 14
During group the children have the opportunity to:

Talk about what has happened
Understand they are not to blame
Learn to solve problems in non-violent ways
Develop personal safety plans
Explore family relationships

Women

Is Counselling For You?

Has your partner:

Hit, slapped, pushed or grabbed you?
Hurt, or threatened to hurt you?
ut you down because of your appearance or skills?
Not let you have friends?
Monitored your time?
Restricted you to an allowance?
Made you feel crazy, stupid or worthless?
Threatened to take your children away?
Followed or stalked you?
Made harassing phone calls to you?

Are you:

Afraid for yourself or your children?
Feeling confused / feeling guilty ?
Fearful of his next move?
Torn between leaving and staying?
Afraid he will never change?
Still in love with him, but want the abuse to stop?
Separated and unsure of what demands you should/could make if you want to return?
Feeling guilty for separating your children from their father?

If you answered YES to any or all of these questions, you are not alone. Counselling can begin to help you look at these and other issues that are of concern to you as a woman who has been in an abusive relationship.

Services

Specialized Family Violence Assessments
Ingamo Second Stage Housing Applications
Individualized Safety Plans

Individual Counselling

Individual counselling sessions to deal with family violence issues are available for abused women on a short or long term basis.

Group Counselling

Group counselling services are available to abused women on a weekly basis. Weekly discussion issues are determined by participants need.

Community Outreach

Public education, informations and awareness training of violence prevention is offered through workshops and public speaking. A network of trained volunteers are available as a resource and support to both women and children.

Legal Support and Advocacy

Often women are confronted with a variety of legal situations as a result of the abuse. This program will prvide assistance through support, education, preparation and advocacy in dealing with the legal system.
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