39 FAMILY VIOLENCE AWARENESS FamilyViolence Hurts! You are not alone. Any person of any gender can be a victim of abuse. Abuse in relationships can affect people from any demographic cultural, national and ethnic origin, socioeconomic status, education, gender, age and physical or mental ability. Abuse can take many forms, which can include: harassment, verbal abuse, threats, financial abuse, psychological abuse, emotional abuse, spiritual abuse, neglect, damage to property, injury to pets, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and homicide. Perhaps you haven’t considered that you are the victim in an abusive relationship. Perhaps you haven’t considered that your behaviour may be abusive and hurtful in a relationship. No matter what your role; ABUSE is not okay. It’s not right. It’s very damaging. Being able to recognize abusive behaviour is an important step in moving forward. The next step is to seek help and support. Family violence hurts. It can cause physical and psychological harm. Family violence violates the victim's rights and freedoms. Family violence harms the healthy development of children and youth. If you are being abused, you need to know that you do not ‘deserve' it. You are not to blame for the violence or threats. Every human being has the right to live his or her own life without fear. There is nothing you can do to control the abuser's behaviour. The abuser is using abusive behaviour in an attempt to control you. If the abuse is allowed to continue it will probably get worse. There are many services available on PEI that can help you. If you are not ready to do anything right now, that is your choice and it is okay. Know the Warning Signs of Abuse If someone is abusive, they might: • put the victim down and act superior • do all of the talking and dominate the conversation • try to keep the victim away from family and friends • check up on the victim all the time • hit or slap the victim, or force sex • threaten to hurt the victim, children, pets or property • make direct or indirect threats involving firearms or other weapon continued Designed by Freepik
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