Crime Prevention Domestic Violence

Child Witnesses

Sadly, children who witness or experience abuse, often grow up believing abuse is part of a normal relationship. As they learn what they live, many become involved in delinquency and grow up to become abusers themselves.

These children may also:

Feel confused, frightened and unhappy
Feel responsible for the violence in their home
Have insomnia, nightmares or bedwetting difficulties
Become depressed or suicidal
Develop physical illnesses
Behave aggressively or withdraw to avoid attention

Victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life, all cultures, all income groups, all ages, and all religions. They share feelings of helplessness, isolation, guilt, fear and shame.

Both criminal and civil law offer protection for intimate partners and children who are being abused. Criminal law is intended to deter crimes and deal with offenders. Civil law is used to settle disputes between individuals and can also provide protection for an individual. It may be necessary to use both systems for the best available protection.

Manitoba’s Domestic Violence And Stalking Prevention, Protection And Compensation Act, which came into force on September 30, 1999, provides persons subjected to stalking and domestic violence with the ability to seek a wide range of civil remedies to address their individual needs.

Resources for Children

Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg	204-925-3700
Addictions Foundation of Manitoba	204-944-6235 Youth Services
Child and Family Services After Hours	204-944-4050 Central/Northwest 204-944-4288 East 204-944-4475 Southwest
Child Advocate Office	204-945-1364
Child Find Manitoba Inc	204-945-5735
Elizabeth Hill Counseling	204-956-6562
Facts of Life Line	204-947-9222
Family Conciliation, Separation, Custody, Access	204-945-7236
Jewish Child and Family Service	204-477-7430
Kids Help Phone	1-800-668-6868
Klinic – 24 Hour Crises Lines:	204-786-8686 - Suicide 204-786-8631 - Sexual Assault
MacDonald Youth Services	204-949-4777 pre crisis and crisis
Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre	204-925-0348
Teen Touch	204-783-1116
Winnipeg Children’s Access Agency	204-284-4170

Family Violence Resources:

Manitoba Justice website on Domestic Violence

Department of Justice, Canada website - Abuse is wrong in any language

NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON FAMILY VIOLENCE
Address Locator: 1907D
7th Floor, Jeanne Mance Bldg.,
Tunney's Pasture
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1B4 Canada
Telephone 1-800-267-1233 or 613-941-7285
Web site: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ncfv-cnivf/familyviolence/index.html