Domestic Violence Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

And How to Mitigate Its Effects

Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, refers to violent or aggressive behaviour between current or former intimate partners – where one partner tries to exert power and control over the other, usually through fear.

It can include physical, sexual, emotional, social, verbal, and economic abuse. It goes by different names, including wife assault, wife abuse, violence against women in relationships, spousal abuse, and partner abuse; in some societies it remains nameless, reflecting an unwillingness to recognize formally and officially something that is perceived to be a "private" matter."

Domestic Violence Handbook
Domestic Violence Presentation

Goas and Objectives

The objectives of this program are:

  • Educate the black and other ethnocultural communities on how to mitigate gender-based violence during the pandemic as well providing legal, culturally appropriate, and mental health resources to alleviate the effects of abuse within the family unit.
  • Explain different forms of domestic violence, how it affects families, victims of domestic violence, how to know if someone is a victim of domestic violence, the cost of domestic violence in Canadian society.
  • Highlight the intersectionality of domestic violence: how race, class, gender, employment, education, ability, and religion can impact someone's experience of abuse and even how abusers use tactics of power and control by abusers and systems.
  • Provide insight into frequently asked questions and provide resources and contacts through which those affected by domestic violence can seek support.
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If you are experiencing domestic or family violence, help is available:

  • Call the provincial crisis line at 1-877-977-0007 or text (204)-792-5352 or (204)-805-6682 for support and shelter.
  • Victim Services has a range of supports available. Call 1-866-484-2846.