No one deserves abuse. If someone is abusing you, you could have serious physical or emotional effects. Abuse can sometimes begin or get worse during pregnancy or after a baby is born. There is help, and there are safe ways to protect yourself and your family. Ask your health care provider about resources.
Abuse is any behaviour used to control another person’s actions. It can affect your thoughts or emotions; it can also be physical or even 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 unwanted sexual activity, threats of violence, or sexual activity without your consent.
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.
Ritualistic abuse – abuse based on a belief system. May involve rituals that include physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children or non-consenting adults. May include some form of worship or practice.
For more information on healthy relationships, click here.
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 can sometimes begin or get worse during pregnancy. This abuse can put your health and the baby’s health at risk. People who experience violence during pregnancy can be at continued or increased risk of abuse once the baby is born.
According to Statistics Canada, 21% of women who have been abused were assaulted during pregnancy. Many first experience abuse when they become pregnant.
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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