Intimate Partner Violence

What is the rate of intimate partner violence in Canada?
Three out of ten victims or 30% were victimized by an intimate partner–a total of 107,810 reported domestic abuse victims. The violence is often perpetrated by a current partner: 36% of the abusers is a current boyfriend or girlfriend and 29% is a spouse.


What is the legal definition of intimate partner violence?
Intimate partner violence refers to behaviour within an intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual or psychological harm, including acts of physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviours. This definition covers violence by both current and former spouses and partners.


5 Signs of Emotional Abuse
  • They are Hyper-Critical or Judgmental Towards You
  • They Ignore Boundaries or Invade Your Privacy
  • They are Possessive and/or Controlling
  • They are Manipulative.
  • They Often Dismiss You and Your Feelings.


What is the most common form of abuse in Canada?
Physical abuse was the most commonly experienced type of childhood victimization. Approximately one in four (24%) Canadians experienced at least one type of physical abuse during childhood.