http://www.ementalhealth.ca/Durham-Region/Abuse-and-Domestic-Violence/index.php?m=article&ID=8920  (Reprinted with Permission)
 

Summary (cont'd)

All of these examples are assault, which is a crime in Canada and the United States.

Sexual touching or sexual activity is abuse if you do not consent or if you are too young to consent - this is also a crime in both Canada and the United States. It does not matter if you are dating someone, living with someone or married to someone; if you do not consent, or if you are too young to consent, it is a crime.

Emotional or psychological abuse is when someone purposely does things to make you feel bad about yourself. It includes threats to hurt you or loved ones; constant insults or put downs; hurting your children, your pets or threatening to do so; driving dangerously with you in the car; isolating you from friends and family.

Stalking is when someone just won't leave you alone. Stalking behaviours include when someone follows, watches or tracks where you go; leaves threatening messages; harasses you with too many messages; calling you over and over again, and hangs up with no answer; sends gifts you do not want.

Financial abuse is whenever someone takes advantage of your money. It includes: taking your pay cheque or money without permission; Keeping your money so that you cannot pay for things you or your children need, such as food, shelter or medical treatment; making you sign documents to sell your house or to change your will. These are crimes in Canada.

Bullying is a form of abuse that can happen in a relationship or in a family. It may be physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial, or a combination. Some forms of bullying may be crimes.

Some examples of bullying may be:

1. Hitting, kicking, pushing or shoving

2. Taking your money and other possessions

3. Making threats or acting in an intimidating way

4. Constantly teasing you or calling you names

5. Spreading hurtful rumoursIgnoring you and making you feel left out

6. There are other forms of abuse that may not be crimes, but even so, they are hurtful and they might lead to criminal forms of abuse.

Some examples are:

1. Humiliating you or making you feel worthless

2. Insulting, ignoring or neglecting you

3. Constantly yelling at you

4. Calling you names

5. Not letting you have money that you need

6. Ridiculing your religious or spiritual beliefs or preventing you from practising your religion

7. Deciding what you can and can't do, where you can go, what you can wear, and who you can be with

8. Forcing you to marry someone you don't want to marry*

Continued on the next community.