NCJ Number
155545
Date Published
1995
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This booklet for immigrant women in Canada who are suffering from abuse in a relationship or in a family helps them to understand that abuse of any form should not be tolerated and suggests ways in which they can deal with an abusive situation.
Abstract
The kinds of abuse that are crimes in Canada are first listed. These include physical abuse; sexual abuse; emotional abuse that involves threats, destruction of personal property, and stalking; and financial abuse that includes taking a person's paycheck and withholding money necessary for food or medical treatment. Other forms of abuse that are not crimes are also listed. Sources of information and help are listed, followed by assurances that the abuse is not the victim's fault. A discussion of the importance of not tolerating abuse focuses on the danger of the abuse escalating to pose a serious threat to personal safety and the children's safety. In deciding whether to stay or leave an abusive situation, the booklet advises that concerns for personal safety and the safety of the children should be the determining factors. Guidance is provided both for those who decide to stay and those who decide to leave. For those who leave the abusive situation, information is provided on custody of the children, deportation regulations, the break down of a sponsorship, the kinds of help available, and what happens under various scenarios for addressing the abuse. Practical advice is provided on what a victim should take with her if she leaves an abusive relationship. A list of information sources is provided.