Family Violence

Family violence encompasses a wide variety of abusive behaviors including spousal abuse, child abuse, elder abuse, abuse between siblings, or extended family members living in the home.

Family violence can include psychological/emotional, economic, verbal, or sexual abuse and physical violence.

Often situations of family violence are complex and involve many different factors and relationships.

Victims of family violence may suffer from issues such as:

Emotional symptoms

• Mood swings
• Depression
• Low self-worth
• Lack of self-esteem
• Anxiety or a constant feeling of fear
• Fear of the abuser
• Fear of attending school, work, or other events where the bully/abuser may be present
• Inability to break free from the abuser
• Feelings of shame
• Pulling away from friends and family
• Being withdrawn from everyday life
• Misplaced aggression towards other people or family pets
• Openly or secretly planning revenge
• Attempting to overhaul one’s looks or life to blend in
• Avoiding situations or changing your job, school, or habits to avoid the bully/abuser
• Trust issues
• Feelings of numbness
• Shock and confusion

 Physical symptoms

• Night terrors
• Physical injuries
• Problems sleeping
• Issues with sexual identity or functioning
• Trauma response (PTSD)
• Sleeplessness
• Sleeping too much
• Lack of energy
• Flashbacks or nightmares of the abuse
• Memory issues
• Aches and pains
• Tense muscles

If you or someone you know is in a dangerous or life-threatening situation, please call 911.

For immediate help outside of our office hours, throughout Alberta, please call 211 or one of the following distress lines:

• Edmonton: The Crisis Centre call 780 482 HELP (4357)
• Greater Edmonton region: Rural Distress Line at 1-800-232-7288.
• Calgary: 403 266 HELP (4357)