Domestic Violence

Intimate Partner Violence or Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner by an intimate partner;  often for the purpose of establishing or maintaining power and control over the other partner.This includes any behaviours that frighten, intimidate, manipulate, hurt, blame, or wound someone. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together or dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. Signs of Domestic Violence are controlling behaviours that often involve threatening,intimidation, put-downs, gaslighting, isolation, 

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or other injuries
• Frequent “accidents” or injuries with unclear explanations
• Wearing concealing clothing (like long sleeves in summer) to hide marks
• Sudden changes in health or chronic pain with no clear cause

Emotional & Psychological Symptoms:

• Low self-esteem, feeling worthless or hopeless
• Anxiety, panic attacks, or constant fear — especially around their partner
• Depression or mood swings
• Feelings of helplessness or being “trapped”
• Isolation or withdrawal from friends and family
• Hyper-vigilance (always on edge or jumpy)

Behavioral Signs:

• Cancelling plans or making excuses for their partner’s behavior
• Constantly checking in with their partner or seeming overly anxious about pleasing them
• Having limited access to money, transportation, or communication (phone, internet)
• Changes in performance at work or school
• Seeming nervous when their partner is around or avoiding certain topics

Signs in the Relationship:

• The partner is overly controlling or jealous
• Partner tracks their location, monitors texts/social media
• Frequent put-downs, humiliation, or threats
• Threats to harm children, pets, or loved ones
• Forced sex or unwanted touching
• Blaming the victim for the abuse

We offer individual psychotherapy sessions where we use a trauma-centred approach. This is done with compassion, care, and deep listening to the individuals’ experience of interpersonal partner violence.  We engage in psychoeducation, to better understand the impact of interpersonal partner violence on the nervous system and socio-emotional well being. Clients are taught coping strategies to deal with their emotions and triggers, as well as self-esteem enhancement strategies to reclaim their sense of worth, confidence and reduce feelings of isolation.