Women who have been abused

Helping women who have been abused

The Situation

Domestic violence against women and children exacts a terrible toll. Thousands of Canadian women and children are affected each year. This abuse has long-term physical, emotional and psychological effects, including the increased risk of substance abuse and suicide, not only for women but also for their children.

Women often stay in abusive relationships because of fear, not only of their partner but also of raising their children in poverty. Economic barriers such as the lack of affordable housing and reductions to social assistance benefits also discourage women from leaving abusive situations.

The Facts

  • With changes in 2001 in the child welfare legislation reporting requirements, domestic violence cases at the Toronto Children's Aid Society jumped almost fivefold to 470 cases a month (2002).
  • 52% of all female murder victims in 2001 were killed by an individual with whom they had an intimate relationship at one time, either through marriage or dating (2002).
  • Almost 40% of women assaulted by spouses said their children witnessed the violence against them (directly or indirectly). In half of cases of spousal violence against women that were witnessed by children, the woman feared for her life (2006).
  • Studies show that boys who witness their mothers being battered are more likely to commit acts of violence themselves. Girls who observe domestic violence are more likely to live with abusive partners as adults and have academic, social and behavioural problems.
  • Studies of the economic costs of violence against women to victims and society estimate that costs to health, criminal justice, social services, and lost productivity range in the billions of dollars (2006).

United Way Support

Of the 200 agencies that United Way funds, 50 support abused women and their children. Because of your help, women who have been abused and their children have a way out. The road to safety is long and perilous but shelters can provide a safe haven. Counselling, advocacy, parenting skills, legal help, housing support and employment training can help break the cycle of violence.

In 2004, United Way agencies provided 68,000 nights of shelter to abused women and their children; 126,000 hours of counselling; and helped 2,600 abused women participants find a new home in the community.

Support United Way and you'll support people like Vanessa

"My real life, a life that was denied me and my daughter for so long, is just beginning."

- Vanessa

For Vanessa, the word "survivor" has replaced "victim" as the way she sees herself and her life. Two disastrous marriages, a five-year-old daughter and few job prospects left Vanessa feeling fearful and alone.

"My real life, a life that was denied me and my daughter for so long, is just beginning," explains Vanessa talking about her second marriage that culminated in verbal abuse, threats and finally led to a physical assault.

"There are saviors in this world, and I found them when I met the folks at Abrigo," she continues, referring to the United Way agency that provided her with the counselling and services she needed.

Through the centre's programs, Vanessa found part-time work as a cashier, graduated with honours from an adult learning centre as a personal support worker and worked six months in the field. Now a full-time college student, she expects to graduate next year and become a social services worker.

Adapted from an article in the Toronto Star, October 24, 2003, by Frank Calleja.

How your dollars make an impact

$120 provides a woman who has been abused and her three children with start-up groceries to establish a new home.

$250 provides two hours of counselling to five women who have been abused, helping them rebuild their lives.

$528 provides counselling for a homeless individual and supports a woman who has been abused for a year, offering accompaniment to legal and medical appointments, providing classes and training to ensure her safety and helping her move on with her life.

$1,935 offers seven days of shelter, food and counselling to a woman who has been abused and her three children.

With your generosity, United Way agencies can provide women who have been abused with safe shelter and programs that will help them and their children to begin a new life safe from danger.

Your donation makes a difference by supporting:

  • Emergency shelter and counselling
  • Legal services and court support
  • Outreach to isolated women
  • Counselling for children who witness violence in the home
  • Support for teens who experience dating violence
  • Public education programs to prevent abuse

Download the brochure: Helping women who have been abused (pdf - 76 KB).