Domestic violence
Intimate partner violence, also called family violence or domestic violence, is a difficult topic that unfortunately affects many people in intimate relationships. This is a situation where one of the partners, or an ex-partner, carries out acts of physical, emotional, psychological or sexual violence towards the other.
Domestic violence can take different forms, and each of them can have devastating consequences on the lives of victims. These may include violent gestures, hurtful insults, constant threats, or even excessive control over the other’s life.
It is essential to remember that no one deserves to endure such treatment, and that domestic violence is never the fault of the victim. This is unacceptable behavior and contrary to healthy, loving relationships.
Do you think you are a victim of domestic violence?
Did you know?
“Domestic violence includes psychological, verbal, physical and sexual assault as well as acts of economic domination. It does not result from a loss of control, but is, on the contrary, a means chosen to dominate the other person and assert one's power over them. It can be experienced in a marital, extra-marital or romantic relationship, at all ages of life. »
“Domestic violence includes psychological, verbal, physical and sexual assault as well as acts of economic domination. It does not result from a loss of control, but is, on the contrary, a means chosen to dominate the other person and assert one's power over them. It can be experienced in a marital, extra-marital or romantic relationship, at all ages of life. »
Domestic violence is not linked to culture, but to patriarchal oppression. The migratory context can exacerbate its scale and severity.
At Maison Flora Tristan, culturally adapted services are offered in around ten languages and interpreter services ensure that women can actively participate in their intervention plan.
The main obstacles facing immigrant women in the context of domestic violence are migratory status, isolation, the language barrier, the absence of a social network, as well as ignorance of the Quebec and Canadian system for the different social and legal spheres. Added to this is poverty, non-recognition of diplomas and qualifications, racism as well as the phenomenon of institutional discrimination and violence.
These obstacles often make it difficult for them to ask for help.
- Being an immigrant is a specific situation that overlaps with the situation of domestic violence;
- A spouse may be the only anchor in the host country;
- The more precarious the migration status, the stronger the control can be;
- Family honor may be at stake;
- Domestic violence can hinder the possibilities of adaptation and integration into the host society;
- Faced with multiple oppressions;
- But never lose sight of the fact that we must not generalize, validate with each woman…
- Being an immigrant is a specific situation that overlaps with the situation of domestic violence;
- A spouse may be the only anchor in the host country;
- The more precarious the migration status, the stronger the control can be;
- Family honor may be at stake;
- Domestic violence can hinder the possibilities of adaptation and integration into the host society;
- Faced with multiple oppressions;
- But never lose sight of the fact that we must not generalize, validate with each woman…