One of the main components of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is control. The abuser seeks to dominate their victim psychologically, emotionally, and often physically. Examples of controlling behaviour include:
- Being humiliated
- Isolating the victim from friends and family
- Physical or verbal intimidation and threats
- Controlling all finances
- Physical violence
- Sexual violence
- Putting down religious beliefs
- Other actions that limit independence
Our Province has many resources for victims of Intimate Partner Violence. Because the majority of IPV victims are women, most resources are in the context of men being the abusive partner. A barrier for men that are experiencing IPV is a perception that they will not be supported – this is not the case. People of all genders and sexual orientation can experience IPV, and can happen in any type of relationship including:
- Married partners
- Divorced or separated partners
- Common-law partners
- Dating relationships
In 2018 the Province introduced the Intimate Partner Violence Intervention Act. The primary role of the act is to protect victims through temporary orders. In their words:
Under the act, victims can apply for an emergency intervention order to obtain short-term remedies to respond to their circumstances. These remedies include:
- exclusive occupation of the residence
- temporary possession of personal property
- no-contact provisions
- temporary custody of children
- seizure of weapons
There are groups designated in the regulations of the act that will assist victims in completing an application for an emergency intervention order. They include:
- Police
- Victim Services
- Transition house and second-stage housing intervener
- Domestic Violence Outreach
- Social workers with the Department of Social Development
Applications for such orders may be made by telephone, making them accessible to victims in both rural and urban areas.”
Detailed information on these components is available here: Emergency Intervention Orders (PDF)
Their is hope and support for you as a victim of Intimate Partner Violence. Violence escalates – protect yourself, protect your children, and seek help.