If you are a woman living in violence and are in need of information on supports and services available within Labrador, this page is designed to help you learn more about your options.

Living in Labrador has its challenges in terms of isolation, but this is nothing compared to the isolation women living with violence feel. It is important to know that you are not alone.

There are many forms of violence. It is important to understand that violence is not just hitting, or physical abuse, but can take on other forms of abuse. Women often experience a combination of many forms of abuse when living in an abusive relationship;

• Physical abuse, such as hitting or grabbing
  
• Emotional abuse, such as degrading remarks or name calling
  
• Financial abuse, such as controlling all of the finances and limiting access and spending
  
• Sexual abuse, such as un-consensual sex or derogatory comments
  

If you are unsure as to whether or not you may be in an abusive relationship, please refer to the following "checklist on relationship warning signs". (Source: Libra House)

In healthy relationships, you should feel respected, which means your partner:

• is willing to compromise
  
• lets you feel comfortable being yourself
  
• is able to admit to being wrong
  
• tries to resolve conflict by talking honestly
  
• enables you to feel safe being with them
  
• respects your feelings, your opinions and your friends
  
• accepts you saying no to things you don't want to do (like sex)
  
• accepts you changing your mind
  
• respects your wishes if you want to end the relationship
  

When someone loves you, you feel valued, respected and free to be yourself. You shouldn't be made to feel intimidated or controlled.

Click to read more about Warning Signs of Abusive Behavior.

While women often feel they would be hurting their child by depriving them of a father's presence and things the income may provide for them, children who witness violence are adversely affected in a variety of ways.

Children stop feeling safe in their own home, and harbor feelings of responsibility, confusion, anger and shame. Boys who grow up in violent homes are at a higher risk of being abusive to their partners as adults, while girls who witness their mothers being abused may find it harder to leave an adult abusive relationship.

Click to read more about Impacts of Violence on Children.

There are things you can do to help you and your family feel safer. Making an Escape Plan can help protect you and your family. You can prepare for what to do in an emergency, how to protect yourself at home and how to protect yourself outside the home.

Many of Labrador's communities are isolated and women do not have access to police, courts, shelters or other services. The most important thing you can do is make a plan.

• Tell someone you trust about the things that are happening.
• Find a friend or neighbor who will provide you with a safe place if you have to leave your home in a hurry.
• Phone the nearest police station and tell them about your situation. If you don't have a phone, ask someone to call the police for you.
• When Police arrive, tell them what happened. They may be able to lay criminal charges which can include conditions on your abuser.
• Call the nearest shelter, safe house or women's centre to ask if they can help you plan to move away from the violent situation.
• If you are concerned about money for food, housing, travel to a shelter, contact Human Resource Labour and Employment to find out if they can help.

Click to read more about Making an Escape Plan.

Living with violence can take it's toll on women's physical and emotional well-being. Leaving or seeking help is not easy, but there is hope and help available with in Labrador.

Click to read about Barriers To Leaving an Abusive Relationship.

It can be difficult for a woman when you don't understand what your options are and the processes you sometimes have to go through to leave an abusive situation. Educating yourself on what your options are and understanding the processes can help with making decisions.

The following are links that can provide you with information on topics such as court processes and options, Family Law information, protecting yourself and your family, financial support options, and support for victims of Sexual Violence.

Emergency Protection Orders:

An Emergency Protection Order is a court order that is granted in situations to provide immediate protection when family violence has occurred. There can be various restrictions on the respondent and can last for a maximum of 90 days. Its purpose is to offer an immediate response and to provide time to put long term plans in place.

There are three ways to apply for an Emergency Protection Order, through the police, a lawyer, or directly through applicants/victims. An EPO can be granted within 24 hours of receiving the application and there are a number of conditions that can be included in the EPO, including; Exclusive temporary occupancy of the home for applicant, temporary care and custody of child and payment of rent or mortgage by respondent.

Human Resource Labour Employment:

The Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Human Resource Labour and Employment offers a wide range of information and program services in income support, employment and youth. To review further details visit the following links:

• Income Support Programs
• Services to Persons who are Victims of Violence

HRLE Programs are all designed to help low-income people and families build greater social and economic independence.

Public Legal Information Association of NL: Public Legal Information Association of NL (PLIAN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating Newfoundlanders and Labradorians about the law. There are publications on this website that can assist you with understanding general information pertaining to Victims, Family Law, Youth Justice, Criminal Justice, etc. Many publications are available in Innu-Aimun, Inuktitut, and French.

Newfoundland Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre: The NL Sexual Assault Crisis & Prevention Centre is a non-profit organization that exists to provide support and essential services to anyone impacted by sexual violence.