24/7 VIOLENCE & ABUSE HELPLINE
Toll-free 1-877-435-7544
(250) 537-0735
Toll-free 1-877-435-7544
(250) 537-0735
Safe
Free
Confidential
What is Abuse?
Do you ever experience a partner who…
- Tells you they love you, but puts you down
- Makes you feel bad about yourself
- Says it’s your fault if they get angry
- Makes you feel crazy or afraid
- Keeps you from seeing your friends or family
- Is jealous and possessive
- Forces or pressures you to drink or take drugs
- Destroys your personal belongings or talks about it
- Promises to change, but the abuse keeps happening
- Drives fast or recklessly to frighten you when you’re in the car
- Controls your finances, makes you account for every penny spent
- Threatens you or your children
- Hurts your pet or talks about it
- Threatens, slaps, shoves, hits or restrains you against your will
- Emotionally or physically forces you to have sex or unprotected sex
- Threatens you with weapons
If you experience any of these things, remember that help is available.
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE SAFE
Contact an Outreach Worker
Telephone: (250) 537-0717
Toll-free: 1-888-537-0717
email: outreach@iwav.org
This service is free and confidential.
Do you ever think...
- The abuse happened a long time ago, so why talk about it now?
- There was no intercourse, so it was not really sexual assault?
- You are the only one this person ever abused?
- It was your fault the violence or abuse happened?
Do you ever feel...
Each woman has her own response to violence and abuse. Some common responses for survivors are:
- Shame, guilt, self-blame
- Fear and anxiety
- Sleeping and eating disruptions
- Depression
Whether you experience all, some or none of these responses, your reaction is normal for you. There is no right or wrong way to respond to violence and abuse.