Intimate Partner Violence

People who experience abuse come from every race, religion and every level of financial status. Abuse can come in many forms including verbal, physical, sexual, emotional, and financial. It is never deserved.   

Unfortunately, pregnancy can be a time when abuse can begin or become worse. Experiencing any type of abuse can have serious impacts on your health and the health of your baby. For instance, you may experience decreased self-esteem, depression, and misuse alcohol, tobacco and other substances. You may also be physically injured and have internal bleeding. Abuse can also result in poor birth outcomes for your baby like preterm birth, low birth weight, fetal hemorrhage and miscarriage or stillbirth. For information that can help you recognize if you're in an abusive relationship, and how to contact crisis hotlines, domestic violence programs, legal-aid services, or a shelter, please visit the links below.

• Ontario Women's Justice Network - Legal information related to violence against women
• Assaulted Women's Helpline - Questions to ask yourself to tell if you are being abused
• Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General - Information and laws for victims of abuse
• March of Dimes - Abuse, triggers in pregnancy, and what to do
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Intimate partner violence and abuse
• Government of Ontario - Domestic Violence
• Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime
• Best Start - Abuse Resources
• Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres