Community Initiatives Against Family Violence (CIAFV) defines family violence as a systematic pattern of abusive behaviors within a relationship characterized by intimacy, dependency and/or trust. The abusive behaviors exist within a context where their purpose is to gain power, control, and induce fear. All forms of abusive behavior are ways in which one human being is trying to have control and/or exploit or have power over another.
Family and domestic violence should be addressed immediately, involving the appropriate authorities. Any indication of family violence is reason to end the relationship and explore separation and divorce. Family violence can have a devastating effect on children, even if they are not directly experiencing the violence.
What is family violence?
The Divorce Act, Section 2(1) states that family violence includes:
- physical abuse, including forced confinement but excluding the use of reasonable forace to protect themselves or another person.
- sexual abuse
- threats to kill or cause boldily harm to any person
- harassment, including stalking
- the failure to provide the necessaries of life
- psychological abuse
- financial abuse
- threats to kill or harm an animal or damage property and
- the killing or harming of an animal or the damage of property ; (violence familiale)
The behavior does not have to be a criminal offence to be considered family violence.
Family violence extends to all family members of all ages, whether or not they live together. A child’s direct exposure to family violence (for example, a child seeing or hearing the violence) or indirect exposure (for example, a child, seeing that a parent is fearful or injured) is recognized as family violence and child abuse.
How to Respond to Family Violence?
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence please call The Family Violence Information Line (310-1818) which is available 24/7 and will provide safety planning.
Protection Orders
There are a variety of court orders people can apply for if they think it will help keep them safe from another person. Having one of these orders may be enough to deter someone from instigating or continuing with unwanted behaviors if they are willing to obey court orders. Some people however, may be at greater risk of getting a protection order further incites the offending party. A piece of paper does not guarantee safety.
It is critical to carefully weigh the risks and benefits when deciding whether or not to pursue a protection order.
The following protection orders and tools can be used to safeguard oneself from someone who has caused harm or who may cause harm.
- Emergency Protection Order
- Queen’s Bench Protection Order
- Restraining Order
- Peace Bond
- Bail or Release Condition
- Exclusive Possession Order
The Protection Against Family Violence Act Guide summarizes the protection Against Family Violence Act Guide and the forms used. The guide can be found at: www.familyviolence.alberta.ca. NOTE: The act protects against most types of physical abuse causing injury or property damage, but DOES NOT protect against financial or emotional abuse!
PLEASE RUN and seek help if you are experiencing any form of family violence.
To learn how to handle non-abusive relationships, see the previous part in this series Know When To Walk Away – Part 1. For the next part, check out Separation Guidelines – How to Have a Successful Separation
If you’d like more support, book an appointment today, I’m a phone call away 780 934 1622. For more information on divorce and separation, be sure to visit the blog.
