No one deserves abuse. If you are experiencing abuse, it could have serious impacts on your physical or mental health. If you are currently pregnant or wanting to become pregnant, now is a good time to speak to your health care team about resources – abuse can begin or worsen during pregnancy or after your baby is born. Help is available and there are safe ways to protect yourself and your family.
Abuse is any behaviour used to control another person. It can affect your thoughts or emotions, present a significant threat to your physical safety, and even be dangerous to your life.
Abuse can take many forms:
Physical abuse – includes pushing, shaking, hitting, shoving, choking, punching or restraining you. Any physical contact that leads to pain (soreness, discomfort), injury (bruises, bleeding) or impairment (limping, hard to speak or eat).
Emotional abuse – includes name calling, shouting, constant criticism, refusing to talk with you or limiting your contact with friends or family. May include threats to hurt or kill you, your children, a pet or someone in your extended family (like a sibling, cousin or grandparent). A partner may act overly jealous or accuse you of cheating (infidelity).
Sexual abuse – includes any sexual coercion, sexual activity without consent, degrading sexual activities, or violence or aggression during sexual activities.
Financial abuse – not allowing you to keep your pay cheque, not allowing you to work, controlling the money you can spend, or stealing money from you.
For help determining if your relationship is healthy, unhealthy, or abusive, click here.
Having a baby is not likely to stop the abuse. Sometimes stress, family changes, or the responsibilities of having children can lead to conflict—and conflict can sometimes lead to family violence, neglect, or abuse.
Abuse during pregnancy is harmful for both the mother and the unborn child. People who experience abuse during pregnancy can be at a continued or increased risk of abuse once the baby is born.
If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant and believe you may be in an abusive relationship, help is available to protect your health and the health of your baby.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
If you’re hurt or have health concerns, go to your health care provider, urgent care centre or emergency department. Tell them how you got hurt.
If you’re experiencing abuse, tell someone you can trust like a friend or family member. Talk with your health care provider, they will link you with resources and help. This help will include safety plans and referral to other services. Ask for help in making a safety plan.
For support and services in your area you can call:
To learn more about abuse, staying safe and getting support, visit:
Government of Alberta –Finding help and creating a safety plan
MyHealth.Alberta.ca – Domestic Violence
Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services
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Be sure to click “Add this to my To-Do List” anytime you see something you want to print, email, save, or share. Because we do not ask for any personal information, your list will only be saved for a week after your last added item.
