YORK REGION CENTRE FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY CREATING SAFETY The purpose of this self-assessment questionnaire is to help you become aware of some of the indicators of domestic violence. It is intended as an assessment tool, designed to provide an opportunity for individuals to consider their safety options by means of risk assessment. There are a variety of issues associated with violence and this questionnaire presents some of the key behavioural indicators/situations that may be of help to you. WHAT IS DOMEST VIOLENCE? There are many forms of domestic violence. These include physical, financial, cultural, verbal, sexual, emotional and psychological, spiritual, stalking/harassment, social, legal, and immigrant abuse. None of these are acceptable in any way. Domestic violence involves situations of power and control. When individuals find themselves in situations of abuse, it does not mean that they are weak, but it is an indication that they definitely should consider their safety and the safety of their children. SELF-ASSESSMENT/SAFETY AUDIT TOOL Begin by answering these questions as openly and honestly as possible. 1. Has your partner ever physically harmed or threatened to harm, you, himself, your loved ones, or pets (e.g. hit, punch, kick, shove, drag, hair pull, spit, bite, choke, burn, withhold food and/or medications, use of an object/weapon, etc.)? 2. Does your partner throw or break things to scare you? 3. Does your partner make excuses or blame you for his violent and/or abusive behaviour? 4. Do you continually apologize in order to not upset your partner? 5. Does your partner often insult you or your children (e.g. call names, criticize, demean or humiliate you/them, etc.)? 6. Does your partner threaten to harm, abduct, gain custody, call CAS, or overall use your children in any way to maintain control over you? 7. Does your partner control your finances, inappropriately spend money to deliberately harm your financial situation, or withhold information on your financial resources? 8. Has your partner ever tried to prevent you from leaving an area (e.g. locked the door, took your car keys, stood over you, etc.)? 9. Does your partner monitor/control your phone, email, or other telecommunication methods? 10. Do you have to let your partner know where you are at all times? 11. Has your partner stopped you from seeing or talking to your friends and family? 12. Does your partner get jealous of time spent with family, friends or other men? 13. Does your partner tell you how to dress or does he get upset at the kind of clothes that you wear? 14. Does your partner force or pressure you to have sexual relations or perform sexual acts that you are uncomfortable with? 15. To the best of your knowledge, has your partner ever abused any previous spouses/partners or children from another relationship? 16. Have you ever called anyone because you were afraid of your partner? 17. Do you have any fears for your safety or the safety of your family? 18. Does your partner make a scene, or threaten to, when you are in public to get his way? 19. Does your partner threaten to remove sponsorship or call the authorities regarding your immigration status? 20. Does your partner use religion to control your behavior (e.g. punish you for your religious beliefs, prevent you from practicing, use religion to harm you, etc.)? 21. Do you feel trapped in your relationship? WHERE TO GET HELP If you answered yes to any of these questions you may be involved in or at risk of becoming involved in an abusive situation. This is designed to help you become aware of abusive behaviour or high-risk behaviour that may put you or your family at risk. If you want or need help, there ARE places you can go and people you can talk to. The following information may be of help to you: York Region Centre for Community Safety (YRCCS) (905) 836-7601 – extension 100 YRCCS is a co-location model that can connect you with various on-site services including: HIV/AIDS testing; mental health counseling and intake; high risk infant nurse; identification assistance; landlord/tenant support; social assistance support; sexual assault counseling and forensic services; crown attorney assistance; women, parenting and children’s groups; legal assistance; financial assistance; transitional support; victim support; and job skills training. YRCCS can get you in connection with the various agencies below, however if it is an emergency call 9-1-1 or one of the 24 hour crisis lines noted. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Victim Services of York Region (VSY) (905) 474-2955 Victim Services of York Region works in partnership with York Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police to provide 24-hour emotional support and practical assistance to victims of crime or tragic circumstances. Victim Services operates the Support Link program which is specialized services for individuals at high risk for domestic violence. Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Care Center of York Region (DASA) 1-800-521-6004 ext. 2 The Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Care Center is located at York Central Hospital at 10 Trench Street in Richmond Hill. DASA can provide acute care to victims of sexual violence or partner abuse. As it is located within a hospital, the resources of the Emergency Room are immediately available as well. DASA also handles non-acute assessments, counseling and referral services for those who have suffered domestic violence. 24-hour Crisis Lines and Counselling Assaulted Women’s Helpline 310-COPE (866) 863-7868 310-2673 Kids Help Phone (800) 668-6868 Women’s Centre of York Region (905)-853-9270 Women’s Support Network of York Region (800) 263-6734 Court/Legal Supports Victim Witness Assistance Program Newmarket Criminal Court Family Law Information Center/ Family Court Legal Aid Ontario (905) 853-4818 (905) 853-4801 (905) 853-4809 (800)668-8258 Women’s Shelters Yellow Brick House Sandgate Women’s Shelter E.T.A. Vaughan Blue Doors Shelters (800) 263-3247 (800) 661-8294 (877) 382-1888 (888) 554-4425 Family Service York Region Georgina Location Markham Location Newmarket Location Richmond Hill- Bayview Location Yonge Location (905) 476-3611 (866) 415-9723 (888) 223-3999 (888) 820-9986 (866) 780-9927 Children’s Aid Societies York Region Children’s Aid Society Jewish Family and Child Services Catholic Community Services of York Region (800) 718-3850 (905) 882-2331 (877) 761-1155 Online Resources Family Law Education for Women Neighbours, Friends, and Families Shelternet www.onefamilylaw.ca www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca www.shelternet.ca Online Resources for Teenagers Chatdanger Equality Rules Love is Respect That’s Not Cool www.chatdanger.com www.eualityrules.ca www.loveisrespect.org www.thatsnotcool.com