Statistics

Prevalence and severity of abuse
• One in four Canadian women suffer some form of abuse by their partners.
• Women are at greatest risk of increased violence – or murder – at the hands of their partner during the time just before or after they leave an abusive relationship.
• Spousal homicide accounts for 15% of all homicides in Canada. In the 10 year period between 1979 and 1998, 1,901 people were killed by a spouse: 1,468 women and 433 men. A woman is nine times more likely to be murdered by an intimate partner than by a stranger.
• Domestic abuse remains an immensely under-reported crime: it is estimated that just 25% of domestic violence incidents are reported.


Effect on children
• Approximately 40% of wife assault incidents begin during a woman’s first pregnancy.
• Children are present and witness the abuse in 80% of domestic violence cases.
• Boys who witness domestic violence against their mothers are five times more likely to grow up to be abusers while girls who witness violence are five times more likely to grow up to be victims of abuse.
• Children and adolescents who see their mother being abused experience emotional and behavioural problems similar to children who are physically abused.
• Children who witness woman abuse frequently experience post traumatic stress disorder.


The cost of domestic violence
• The costs associated with physical and sexual violence against women in Canada total over $4.2 billion each year. This includes medical fees, police services, social agencies, income assistance, unemployment, the justice system, educational support and temporary housing.
• The costs of operating women’s shelters in Canada total more than $135 million each year.


Nova Vita Service Statistics
• Last year, (April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007) Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services provided safe shelter to 165 women and 130 children
• 200 women received counselling throught the Community Counselling program.
• 157 men received counselling throught the Challenge to Change - men's program.
• The average occupancy rate for the 2006/2007 fiscal year was 123.5%. Simply put, we are always full.


The preceding information is a compilation of data and reports from several sources including Statistics Canada, the Ministry of the Solicitor General, Education Wife Assault, Toronto, the Ontario Women’s Directorate, the Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and Children, Nova Vita service statistics.