What is violence?
Violence is the intentional use of physical force or power (threatened or actual), against oneself, another person, or a group or community that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation (WHO, 2014).
How does violence relate to health?
Exposure to violence can have a lasting impact on an individual’s physical, mental and emotional health. Research shows that violence is associated with an increased risk of substance use, mental illnesses, chronic diseases and infectious diseases.
Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate partner violence is a major health concern and violates human rights. Globally one in three women experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, mostly by an intimate partner. (WHO, 2024). In Hastings and Prince Edwards Counties, there is a higher rate of intimate partner violence than in Ontario as a whole. Some other statistics locally include:
- Belleville Police reported a 17 per cent increase in sexual offences and a further 12 per cent increase in assault calls from 2021 to 2022.
- Data from Prince Edward County OPP also reported 110 assaults in 2022, a 15.8 per cent increase from 2021.
- Similarly, reports from Quinte West OPP show that there were 221 assaults in 2022, along with 49 sexual assaults
HPE Public Health is working with and supports local community organizations to address violence, help those who need support, and combat this major concern.
How can you help?
- Believe the victim; they are never to be blamed.
- If you suspect a friend or family member is a victim, try speaking to them and offering your support when they need it.
- Talk to your children about consent.
- Prioritize family connectedness, and provide a safe space for your children from an early age.
- Assist with developing a safety plan (pack a to-go bag with cash and important documents, identify safe places to go, etc.).
- Encourage them to seek help from professionals who specialize in safety planning/IPV counselling.
- Offer practical help (i.e. babysit while a victim has appointments, lend a cell phone to make confidential calls, etc.).
- Do not confront the abuser, as this could lead to further victimization.
- Be aware of danger signs and call police if immediate danger is suspected.
Resources
- If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1
- The Quinte Coordinating Committee Against Violence provides a list of community organizations you can access based on your needs.
- Victim Services Hastings, Prince Edward, Lennox and Addington – confidential assistance in order to help victims in times of crisis.
- Assaulted Women’s Helpline – Toll Free number: 1-866-863-7868 or text #SAFE (#7233)
- Victim Support Line – 24/7 Toll-free: 1-888-579-2888
- Stop Family Violence – Learn how to promote healthy family relationships, seek help if you are experiencing family violence and what resources are available in our area.
- Male victims or survivors of sexual abuse can call Toll-free: 1-866-887-0015 to access 24/7, multilingual support for immediate crisis and referral services.
