Domestic Violence (information and support services)

HOW DO I RECOGNIZE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence takes many forms such as physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse. It can occur in all relationship types, from current and former married, common-law and dating partner, in gender-diverse relationships and at all ages – from young people to senior citizens. Victims may be subjected to isolation, harassment, humiliation, intimidation, threats, physical and sexual violence, and emotional blackmail. Children are also vulnerable. They can be directly subjected to abuse or exposed to violence in their home which negatively impacts their mental and physical health now and later in life.

Victims

If you are or think you may be a victim of domestic violence, there are people who care and are ready to listen to you, even during this pandemic. If you and or your children are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

• You can contact your local transition house, domestic violence outreach, second stage housing or crisis line. Click on the following link for information on services: Support Services for Victims of Abuse.  
• The police can help you even if it isn’t an emergency.
• There are tools that can help you stay safer whether you are leaving or living in a violent relationship. These tools are free. Click here (www.legal-info-legale.nb.ca/en/safety-planning). You can also call one of the service providers who can help you plan for your safety with you over the phone.
• It is OK to leave your home if that is the safest thing for you to do. If  it is a dangerous place, you are not expected to isolate at home.
• If you need more help to enhance your safety, Emergency Intervention Orders are court orders that victims can apply for in urgent and serious situations.  For more information, visit Emergency Intervention orders. 
  

Children

If you are a child or teen living in a home where there is domestic violence, life at home might be uncertain, hard or even scary. We are concerned about your safety and well-being. There are people who care and ready to listen to you.

• If you and/or someone else in your home are in danger, call 9-1-1.
• There is support for you. Call, text or live chat with Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or visit their website or call or visit CHIMO, 1-800-667-5005. 
• If there is a fight or violence in your home, please stay away from what is going on. Find a safe place.

By-standers

If you are a family member, friend, neighbour or co-worker and you know or suspect someone is a victim of domestic violence, your support is important. Listen without judgement. Let them tell their story at their own speed, in their own words. Tell the victim you believe them. Your family member, friend, neighbour or co-worker may be feeling shame, humiliation, and very likely, fear. Your time and attention can make a difference.

• If you or your family member, friend, neighbour, co-worker are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. The police can help you even if it isn’t an emergency.
• You can contact your local transition house, domestic violence outreach, second stage housing or crisis line. Click here for information on services Support Services for Victims of Abuse.
  
• To learn more about domestic violence and how to help, visit the Love Shouldn’t Hurt Campaign at www.gnb.ca/violence.
• Click here for more information domestic, intimate partner violence or sexual violence.
  
  

DEALING WITH YOUR OWN VIOLENT BEHAVIOURS

People who have stopped using violence say the hardest part is admitting they needed help to change their behaviour. Changing your behaviour takes courage but brings lifelong rewards.

• If your family is scared of you, or if people tell you that your behaviour is frightening, you might need to consider making changes to the way you behave.
• Change is possible, it takes courage, effort and determination. There are services in New Brunswick that offer programs and support for you to learn new ways of behaving. See PLEIS-NB’s website