Intimate Partner Violence

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, there has been an elevated concern for the potential of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) (formerly referred to as Domestic Violence). Working in collaboration with our Community Partners, we want to reassure community members that essential services are available to survivors and those at risk of IPV during this pandemic.

“We know that home may not be a safe place for some women and children who are asked to self-isolate. YWCA Genevra House remains open to protect women and children fleeing violence. If you or someone you know needs help or wants to speak to a Shelter Worker, please call 705-674-2210. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.”

“If you suspect the abuse or neglect of a child, please contact The Children’s Aid Society of the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin at 705-566-3113.”

In any emergency including a situation where your safety or the safety of someone else is in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you are a survivor of IPV, concerned for your safety or the safety of your child(ren), or if you’re concerned for someone that you know and you’re not ready to contact the Police, here are some of the resources that are available;

Resources
  • Assaulted Women’s Helpline 1-866-863-0511
  • Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline 1-833-900-1010
  • Centre Victoria pour femmes 705-670-2517
  • Family Information Liaison Unit 1-844-888-8610
  • Ligne FEM-AIDE Provincial 1-877-336-2433
  • Manitoulin Family Resources 705-377-5160
  • SAVS-Sudbury and Area Victim Services Sudbury & Area 705-522-6970  
  • Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre 705-675-1596
  • Sudbury Counselling Centre 705-524-9629 x 218
  • Sudbury Women’s Ctr (Workshops) 705-673-1916
  • Talk 4 Healing 1-855-554-4325
  • VIPP - Violence Intervention and Prevention Program (HSN) 705-675-4743
  • Voices for Women (Sexual Assault) 705-671-5495
  • YWCA Genevra House Abuse Line 705-674-2210 or Toll Free 1-800-461-0133

When You are Planning to Leave an Abusive Relationship

Intimate Partner Violence (Domestic Violence) can happen to anyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race or socioeconomic status. Abusive situations and risk factors can change quickly. It is important to develop a safety plan ahead of time to ensure the safety and wellbeing of yourself and your child(ren). Below are various types of Safety Planning strategies to reference when you are preparing to exit an abusive, controlling or unhealthy relationship. (Source: Lisa Osawamick, MSW/RSW at Zaagidwin Counselling Consulting).

 Emergency Escape Plan
  • Focuses on things you can prepare and do in advance to be ready to leave quickly.
  • Immediate contacts: Police, victim services, local shelters (let staff know you intend to leave an abusive situation and ask for support for safety planning)
  • Request for police escort or support person when you leave
  • Do not tell your partner you are leaving
  • If you are injured, report to the hospital and have it documented
  • Have a backup plan
  • Keep a journal and record any evidence. Consult with a lawyer (with dates, events, threats, witnesses, etc.)
  • Remember to clear your phone or computer search history, to prevent your abusive partner from finding out your plans to leave the relationship
  • If you have pets, arrange for temporary support shelter
 Child(ren)'s Safety Plan
  • Inform and teach your child to “KEEP SAFE.” To get away from the area of abuse or violence.
  • Review and have your child pick a safe room/place in the house, with a lockable door and phone.
  • Teach your child how to call for help.
  • Practice with your children on what they would say if they called for help. Ensure they know their name and address.
  • Pick a safe place to meet your child, out of the home if they needed to get out, that you could easily find them.
  • Utilize and create a Code Word/Phrase
 Personal Safety Plan
  • If you decide to leave, what will be your immediate plan? (Practice how to get out safely i.e. which doors, windows or fire escapes you will use)
  • Where will you put your wallet/purse and car keys? (Easy to find/reach places)
  • Determine which friend, neighbour or family member you can confide in (i.e. in case they were to suspect a violent incident occurred/could hear shouting from your residence, where could they locate you?)
 Safety at Work or in Public Places
  • Inform your supervisor and work security of your situation.
  • Ask the receptionist to screen your incoming phone calls.
  • When leaving work, have a co-worker or workplace security walk with you to your car.
  • Do your shopping at various grocery stores or shops. If you always have the same routine, it could be easier for your abuser to locate you.
  • Do online banking or register yourself at a new banking institution.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings; be in well-lit areas and avoid going out alone (have a friend or family member with you).
 Staying Safe in Your Home
  • Think about changing locks on doors and windows as soon as possible.
  • Replace a wooden door with a steel door.
  • Look at installing security systems (surveillance cameras, motion sensor lighting)
  • If you have children, let caregivers know who can pick them up from child care or school.
  • Tell your neighbours to call police if they see your abuser in or around your home.
 Additional Safety Tips
  • If you sense that an argument is about to begin with your abusive partner, try to move to a space that is low risk. Avoid arguments in places with only one exit, or a place that contains weapons.
  • Share a code word with friends, family, and children to call for help.
  • Keep your phone on or near you at all times.
  • Know your surroundings – identify ways you can easily escape safely.
  • Consider keeping emergency friends, shelters and hotlines under codenames in your cell phone.
  • Keep records of every incident with your abuser.
  • If you have social media, consider creating a new profile under a different name.
  • Change your computer passwords.
  • Block your abuser from calling or texting you. Block them on social media.

Sudbury and Area Victim Services

Sudbury and Area Victim Services (SAVS) is a 24/7 community based service that provides immediate short-term crisis intervention services to persons affected by crime, tragedy and disaster. The SAVS team of professional staff and volunteer crisis responders provide emotional support, practical assistance and information and referrals to community-based agencies. Contact SAVS at 705-522-6970.

 SAVS assists victims who have been impacted by:
  • Abduction
  • Human Trafficking
  • Sexual Assault
  • Assault
  • Sudden Death
  • Suicide
  • Homicide
  • Intimate Partner Violence (Domestic Violence)
  • Hate Crime
  • Elder Abuse
  • Criminal Harassment
  • Missing Persons
  • Robbery
  • Fire
  • Theft/Fraud
  • Break and Enter
  • Motor Vehicle Collision
  • Bullying
  • Arson
  • Community Disaster
  • Grief and Bereavement
  • and any circumstance where there are victims present who require assistance

Human Trafficking Hotline 1-833-900-1010

The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline offers a confidential, multilingual service, operating 24/7/365 to connect victims and survivors of forced prostitution and forced labour with social services and/or law enforcement in communities across Canada.

You can also submit tips, concerns or questions about human trafficking through www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca