Relationship Violence

Someone you know has been abused. One in four women - including Jewish women – will experience abuse at least once in her lifetime.

You may be a victim of abuse if you:

• Feel frightened by his temper
• Tread lightly in order not to provoke his anger
• Give up activities and social contacts upon his insistence
• Fear sharing your concerns about the relationship
• Comply as to not hurt his feelings
• Apologize or excuse his behaviour towards you
• Refrain from expressing your opinions because he does not agree with them
• Believe that his jealousy is a sign of love
• Have been the victim of his aggression during fits of jealousy or rage

If you are abused:

• You are not alone
• You are not to blame
• You cannot control his violence, but you can assure your safety
• Call the police and press charges
• Consider ending the relationship as soon as possible
• Recognize that no one has permission to control you and that it is everyone’s basic human right to live without fear.

Help is available.

Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7223 or your local Jewish Family Service agency.

• Jewish Family and Child Service - Toronto - 416-638-7800
• Hamilton Jewish Social Services - 905-648-0605
• Jewish Family Service - Ottawa - 613-722-2225
• Jewish Family Services of the Baron de Hirsch Institute - Montreal - 514-342-0000
• Jewish Child & Family Service - Winnipeg - 204-477-7430
• Jewish Family Service - Edmonton - 780-454-1194
• Jewish Family Service - Calgary - 403-287-3510
• Jewish Family Service Agency - Vancouver -604-257-5151