Definition

Violence against women is the intentional and regular use of tactics to establish and maintain power and control over the thoughts, beliefs and behaviour of a woman by creating fear and/or dependency. All forms of abuse result in the woman losing some if not all dignity, control, safety and personal power. Abused women change their behaviour, preferences and/or choices because they fear the consequences or retaliation of their abusive partner.

Abuse includes, but, is not limited to:

Physical Abuse - hitting; choking; slapping; burning; shoving; using a weapon; physically restraining; intentional interference with basic needs (e.g. food, medicine, sleep).

Isolation: Restricting Freedom - controlling contacts with friends and family, access to information and participation in groups or organizations; locking up in a room / restricting mobility; monitoring telephone calls.

Psychological & Emotional Abuse - constantly criticizing, ridiculing (self, family, friends, past); trying to humiliate or degrade; lying; undermining self-esteem.

Stalking / Harassing Behaviour - following; turning up unexpectedly at workplace or house; parking outside; repeated phone calls or mail to victim and/or family, friends, colleagues.

Threats & Intimidation - threatening to harm partner, self or others (children, family, friends, pets); threatening to make reports to authorities that jeopardize child custody, immigration or legal status; threatening to disclose HIV status or sexual orientation to friends, neighbors, and/or employers.

Economic Abuse - controlling or stealing money; fostering dependency; making financial decisions without asking or telling partner.

Sexual Abuse/Harassment - forcing sex or specific acts, pressuring into unwanted sexual behavior, criticizing performance.

Property Destruction - breaking furniture or windows, throwing or smashing objects, trashing clothes or other on - destroying mementos,possessions.