1. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN TORONTO
The United Nations defines violence against women as: “Any act of gender-based violence that
results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women,
including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in
public or in private life.” Domestic violence against women can include physical, sexual,
emotional, financial, spiritual and also criminal harassment or stalking. The main cause of
domestic violence against women is based on the belief that the male member is more superior,
important and correct than the female partner; this poses feelings of inequality which leads to
humiliation, harassment and abuse in various forms.
*Gender inequality is the core factor of violence against women. It is visible in various areas in
the society and this in turn affects the relationship within households.
* Domestic violence against women happens in all cultural, religious and racial communities
* Women often stay with the partner for the sake of the children or the sake of the family bond.
* Financial instability forces women to stay with the partner
* Women’s role in the society also plays a role in women’s abusive treatment within households
* The endurance level of the women forces them to bear the brunt of the abusive relationship for
a long period of time
* Aborginal women (First Nations, Inuit and Metis) are more than eight times more likely to face
abusive treatment
* 66% of women under the age of twenty- four are more likely to be sexually assaulted
* 60 % of women with disabilities experience some form of violence.
Can Domestic Violence Against Women Be Stopped?
Yes, it can be stopped through public education, violence prevention programs, strong criminal
justice response and intervention of organizations that advocate and support the cause.
If you know of someone in an abusive situation call 911 or the Assaulted Women’s Helpline
number 416-808-7066 (24hrs, seven days), it provides free confidential crisis counselling,
information and emotional support and referrals to emergency shelters. Service is provided in
151 languages.
YWCA, a worldwide organization also works to support women who face domestic abuse. They
support women and children by providing shelter and support. Referrals can be made to YWCA
by anyone whether it’s family members, neighbours, residents, police or social workers by
calling 416-961-8100.