This project has received financial support from the Ontario Women’s Directorate and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Ontario.

Sixth Edition

April 2005

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Table of Contents

Introduction

What is Abuse?

• Control Checklist

• Additional Violent and Coercive Behaviours Used Against Women Who Experience Additional Discrimination in Society

• List of Violent and Coercive Behaviours Utilized in Lesbian Abuse

• Power and Control Wheel

• Equality Wheel

• Profile Characteristics of Abusive Men

• The Cycle of Violence

• Fear is Their Greatest Weapon

• Do Abusers Kill?

Helping An Abused Woman

• Facts

• Why Women Don’t Leave

• Bill of Rights For Assaulted Women

• Making the Move

• Support for an Abused Woman

• How to Assist

Legal Issues

• Unified Family Court

• Family Law Information Centre

• Mediation

• Custody

• Exclusive Possession of the Home

• How to Find a Lawyer

• How to Deal with a Lawyer

• What is Legal Ad?

• Where Do I Apply?

• What Do I Need To Take To Legal Aid?

• What Will Happen?

• Who Gets Legal Aid?

• What Does Legal Aid Cover?

• What If I Own A Home or Land?

• What If I Am Refused Legal Aid?

Abuse and the Law

• Victim Services

• Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Service

• To Lay a Private Complaint or Get a Peace Bond

• How to get the Most Effective Police Response

• If Partner Is Arrested

• How to Protect Yourself

• Restraining Order

• Stalking

Male Batterers and Treatment

• Couples/Marriage Counseling

• If the Abuser uses Drugs and/or Alcohol

Effects of Abuse on Children

• The Children’s Aid Society

• Support for Abused Women

Elder Abuse

• Signs and Symptoms of Elder Abuse

• What Victims of Elder Abuse Need

What Men Can Do To Help End Violence Against Women

Violence In Teen Relationships

• Teen Abuse

• What to do if you are involved in and Abusive Relationship

• What to do if you live in an Abusive Family

• Date Rape

Sexual Assault

• Facts

• Sexual Harassment

• Sources of Reference

• How to Help a Friend

List of Community Resources and Common Referrals

Recommended Reading

Sources of Reference

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