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Public Safety Is Not Neutral: BWSS in Solidarity with W7 as Canada Hosts the G7

Jun 15, 2025 | BWSS Programs, Events, Safety Resource Series

Women7 Logo
As the G7 summit unfolds in Kananaskis, Alberta this weekโ€”fifty years after its founding in the wake of global economic instabilityโ€”BWSS stands in solidarity with our national feminist counterparts working through the Women7 (W7) engagement group. These advocates are advancing a bold agenda that challenges the G7โ€”not in abstraction, but directly, under Canadian leadershipโ€”to deliver concrete action on gender-based violence, economic justice, care infrastructure, climate resilience, digital safety, and feminist foreign policy. Canadaโ€™s position as host carries both prestige and responsibility. What we do here will echo globally.

W7โ€™s calls to action are urgent, intersectional, and grounded in the everyday experiences of women, girls, and gender-diverse people across the globe. At BWSS, we recognize that the structural injustices W7 identifiesโ€”privatized care, gendered poverty, tech-facilitated violence, extractive economics, and eroding public accountabilityโ€”are not distant or abstract. They show up in communities across British Columbia. They are visible in housing precarity, court delays, underfunded services, and the climate emergencies that displace women and fracture Indigenous communities. We see these realities every day on the frontlines.

Our campaign, #DesignedWithSurvivors,ย asks: what would public safety look like if it were built by those who survive violence?

That question is not only localโ€”it is global. Prime Minister Mark Carneyโ€™s G7 agenda names economic resilience, democracy and human rights, inclusive growth, climate action, and digital governance as Canadaโ€™s priorities. These are necessary priorities. But unless they are grounded in feminist principles, survivor leadership, and systems of accountability, they risk reinforcing the very conditions they claim to address.

Canadaโ€™s G7 plan outlines three core missions: protecting communities and the world, accelerating digital and energy transitions, and securing partnerships through private investment. These are ambitiousโ€”and in some cases promisingโ€”but incomplete. Below, we examine how they intersect with W7โ€™s demands and BWSSโ€™s frontline analysis.

Canada wants to protect communities by strengthening peace and countering crime. But survivors need more than military or policing frameworks.

Public safety must include survivors. Violence against women and gender-diverse people is systemic, predictable, and preventable.ย Itโ€™s time for BCโ€”and Canadaโ€”to treat gender-based violence as a public safety emergency, not a secondary concern behind foreign interference or transnational crime. Peace and security must begin at home. A country that fails to protect survivors cannot credibly claim global leadership on human rights.

Canada seeks to accelerate digital transformation and unlock AI and quantum technologies. But survivors are already under attack online.

Tech-facilitated abuseโ€”stalking, harassment, coercive controlโ€”is escalating, yet BCโ€™s legal and policing systems havenโ€™t caught up. Survivors need legal protections, police training, and safe digital spaces now. Prime Minister Carneyโ€™s focus on digital governance must include digital safety for women and gender-diverse people. Innovation without regulation is not progressโ€”itโ€™s harm.

Canada aims to attract private investment and build infrastructureโ€”but care infrastructure is missing from this vision.

Survivors canโ€™t escape violence if they canโ€™t access care. Childcare,ย elder care, and mental health supports are essential to safety. In BC, survivors remain trapped in abuse because they lack the structural supports to leave. Care work is infrastructure. If Canada wants to lead the G7 on inclusive growth, it must begin by investing in the care economy that underpins every other form of economic participation.

Canada touts economic resilienceโ€”but doesnโ€™t acknowledge gendered poverty.

Poverty is not gender-neutral.ย Economic abuse traps women in violence. BWSS provides survivor-centred employment, legal advocacy, and trauma support because existing economic systems punish rather than protect. In British Columbia, survivors are navigating income assistance programs that are inadequate by design. If the G7 defines resilience only in terms of markets and productivity, it will continue to exclude those living in precarity.

Canada recognizes the threat of wildfires and climate instabilityโ€”but ignores how women are disproportionately affected.

Displacement, disaster, and extraction hit womenโ€”especially Indigenous womenโ€”first and hardest.ย BWSS supports Indigenous women who are both survivors of violence and defenders of land, community, and sovereignty. Feminist climate justice is not optionalโ€”it is central to survival. A climate policy that does not include land-based healing, Indigenous leadership, and gendered impact assessment will fail to protect the most vulnerable.

Canada speaks of global partnerships and shared valuesโ€”but who defines those values, and who is included?

Intersectional policy requires intersectional accountability.ย The Prime Ministerโ€™s emphasis on inclusive democracy must be matched by provincial and national systems that track outcomes for survivorsโ€”particularly those who are Indigenous, Black, racialized, or living with disabilities. BWSS is calling for public audits, survivor-led consultation, and provincial data collection that moves beyond performative gender-based analysis. Commitments mean little without measurable, material change.

We are the infrastructure of public safetyโ€”yet our funding is unstable.

To end gender-based violence, BC must provide long-term, core funding for survivor services. Year-to-year grants donโ€™t build safetyโ€”they sustain crisis. W7โ€™s call for stable investment in feminist organizations directly challenges the short-termism that defines so much of Canadaโ€™s social policy. In BC, anti-violence organizations like ours operate at full capacity while navigating frozen contracts and rising demand. Structural investmentโ€”not symbolic gesturesโ€”is whatโ€™s needed now.

The Women7 agenda makes clear that feminist priorities are not fringeโ€”they are foundational to peace, stability, and economic justice. As Canada hosts the world at the G7, we call on our leaders to lead not only in words, but in deeds. To listen not only to heads of state, but to those who survive violence, exclusion, and economic abandonment. And to act not only for markets and institutions, but for the safety and freedom of people.

#DesignedWithSurvivorsย is our contribution to a global feminist movement demanding transformation. We are not waiting for change. We are building itโ€”right here, right now.

Can one experience memory loss following an abusive relationship?

Jun 12, 2024 | Safety Resource Series

Safety Planning for Non-Status Immigrants, Refugees, and Refugee Claimants Facing Intimate Partner, Domestic, or Sexualized Violence

Can one experience memory loss following an abusive relationship?

Safety Resource Blog Week Seven

 

The answer is YES! While the effects of abuse can manifest differently in everyone, our brains can be affected by both physical and psychological abuse. In the aftermath of an abusive relationship, many survivors find themselves grappling with trauma-based memory loss. Trauma-based memory loss in the context of abusive relationships is a complex and often misunderstood phenomenon that goes unrecognized and untreated.

In this resource, we will discuss the effects of physical and psychological abuse on the memory of survivors and the journey to healing.

 

What is Trauma-Based Memory Loss?

Trauma-based memory loss, also known as dissociative amnesia, is a condition where a person loses memories of events, people, or periods of time, typically following a traumatic experience. In the context of abusive relationships, this memory loss is a protective mechanism employed by the brain to cope with overwhelming painful and traumatic memories. Some of this memory loss is the brain’s way of temporarily helping you cope with trauma, while some of it may be permanent due to severe brain injury or deep psychological trauma.

These types of memory loss can be referred to as dissociative amnesia, trauma-based memory loss, or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), depending on the type of abuse and its severity.

 

How Does Trauma-Based Memory Loss Manifest in Abusive Relationships?

Survivors who endure repeated emotional or physical trauma often experience gaps in their memories as a way to protect themselves from the emotional pain associated with those experiences or due to brain injuries that impact the brainโ€™s normal functions. As a result, survivors may find themselves unable to recall traumatic incidents accurately, which can lead to their experiences being discredited by society, the judicial system, or the healthcare system. Survivors may even start to doubt themselves and their experiences when they can’t remember details.

 

Memory Loss in Physical Trauma:

Memory loss resulting from physical trauma can significantly affect ones memory, especially if brain damage occurs as a result of the injury. When the brain is subjected to physical trauma, such as a blow to the head, strangulation, or physical abuse, the impact can disrupt the brainโ€™s normal functioning, leading to memory loss. Physical trauma can also induce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can cause temporary memory loss as a coping mechanism for the traumatic event that caused the injury. The severity of the injury typically determines the extent and duration of the memory loss.

To learn more about Traumatic Brain Injury, please see Concussions in the Spotlight: Supporting Survivors with Traumatic Brain Injuries.

Memory Loss in Emotional or Psychological Trauma:

Memory loss resulting from emotional or psychological trauma can significantly affect your memory. This loss of memory is a defense mechanism the brain develops to protect itself from psychological damage. When individuals experience severe emotional distress, such as that caused by abuse, violence, or emotionally traumatic event, their brain may respond by blocking out the painful memories.

Memory loss in emotional or psychological trauma is often a result of dissociation, where the mind disconnects from the traumatic experience to shield itself from emotional overload. This can lead to various forms of amnesia:

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Localized Amnesia

Forgetting all events during a specific time frame, often related to periods of intense abuse.

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Selective Amnesia

Remembering parts of an event but not the full experience.

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Generalized Amnesia

Forgetting details about oneโ€™s entire life, which is rare but possible in extreme cases.

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Systematized Amnesia

Losing memory related to a particular person, place, or event associated with the abuse.

Emotional or psychological trauma can also lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), manifesting as flashbacks and intrusive thoughts about the trauma.

 

Navigating the Road to Healing:

Recovery from trauma-induced memory loss can be a lengthy journey, taking several weeks, months, or even years to fully heal. If you suspect that you or someone you love may be experiencing trauma-induced memory loss, here are some symptoms to look out for:

  • If you find yourself relying on alcohol or substances to cope.
  • If you feel emotionally disconnected and numb.
  • If you are plagued by flashbacks, nightmares, or unsettling memories.
  • If you struggle to function effectively at home or work.
  • If you are overwhelmed by feelings of fear, anxiety, or depression.
  • If you experience difficulty sleeping or suffer from insomnia.
  • If you notice physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or muscle tension without a clear medical explanation.

Recognizing these symptoms is the first step towards seeking support and healing. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals who can offer guidance, understanding, and assistance on your path to recovery. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or these symptoms, itโ€™s important to seek support from a health professional who can provide appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Therapeutic interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapy, and neurorehabilitation can play a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of memory loss and cognitive deficits in survivors of domestic abuse.

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Remember Trauma-induced memory loss can be a challenging and distressing experience, but with the right support and interventions, healing and recovery are possible.

We call for the development and expansion of specialized supports for survivors who have experienced TBIs as a result of intimate partner or domestic violence.ย Survivors of IPV who have experienced strangulation, for example, require specialized care and supports. At this time, survivors in the Lower Mainland can access theย Strangulation Clinic, offered by the Fraser Health Authority in Surrey. Here, survivors receive assessment, documentation, counselling, and other treatment services for their injuries, but these services need to be available province-wide, and in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities as well.

To learn more about supporting survivors with Traumatic Brain Injuries, please visit https://www.bwss.org/supporting-survivors-with-traumatic-brain-injuries/.

Disclaimer:

This resource is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. We recognize that everyone’s situation is unique, and the content provided is intended to offer a general understanding of abuse and its effects. It is always advisable to seek guidance from qualified medical professionals or specialists tailored to your specific circumstances.

If you or someone you love is in need of support, please contact the Battered Women Support Services Crisis Line:

Call toll-free: 1-855-687-1868
Metro Vancouver: 604-687-1867

Safety Planning for Non-Status Immigrants, Refugees, and Refugee Claimants

May 22, 2024 | Safety Resource Series

Safety Planning for Non-Status Immigrants, Refugees, and Refugee Claimants Facing Intimate Partner, Domestic, or Sexualized Violence

Safety Planning for Non-Status Immigrants, Refugees, and Refugee Claimants Facing Intimate Partner, Domestic, or Sexualized Violence

Safety Resource Blog Week Six

 

Being a newcomer has its own set of challenges. Many individuals and families flee their homes seeking refuge from violence and oppression, hoping to build a new life centred on safety and security. For many, this move is a life-saving opportunity.

However, for many newcomers, particularly visibly marginalized people, the resettlement experience is often tainted by the looming fears of discrimination, racism, and social isolation. These challenges become especially formidable when attempting to escape from domestic violence.

At times, women and children fleeing a violent country, state, or regime find that escaping to a new environment doesn’t necessarily mean freedom from violence; in fact, they are at a higher risk of violence and abuse due to economic and language barriers.

Newcomer women experiencing domestic violence or intimate partner violence face significant challenges, making it difficult to escape their abusive partners. Often, abusive partners exploit their vulnerabilities, using tactics such as threats of deportation, destruction or withholding of important documents, and isolation from community support networks.

Furthermore, abusive partners may use coercion tactics to sabotage opportunities of integration by isolating them from the community and depriving them of opportunities that would benefit their integration, such as newcomer life skills training or language classes in an attempt to maintain control over their victims and obstruct their victimโ€™s ability to seek help.

In light of these challenges, it is important to develop safety plans tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of non-status, immigrants, refugees, and refugee claimants facing intimate partner, domestic, or sexualized violence.

These safety plans should cover strategies for securing important documents, accessing emergency shelters, navigating legal avenues for protection, and connecting with culturally appropriate support services.

 

So, what is a safety plan?

A safety plan is a personalized strategy designed to facilitate a safe escape from an abusive situation.

It serves as a key tool in assessing and outlining options for safety and freedom. Given that the risk of lethal violence tends to escalate during or after a woman leaves an abusive partner, planning for safety becomes critical.

Personalized safety plans are adaptable tools crafted to keep individuals safe in ever-changing situations. They encompass information specific to you and your life, enhancing safety at school, work, home, and other places you visit daily. These plans can also extend to include considerations for your children, pets, workplace, and school.

If you or someone you know is at risk and needs resources to create a personalized safety plan, visit BWSS.org/why-safety/planning.

Utilize our interactive online tool to create your personalized safety plan, or contact our Safety Changes Everything advocates toll-free at 1-855-687-1868.

In Metro Vancouver, call 604-687-1867 for support in creating your own safety plan.

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Remember that a safety plan is NOT a replacement for calling 911 if youโ€™re in an immediate danger.

If you call 911 note you can request an interpreter if you donโ€™t speak English.

What are essential components a newcomer domestic abuse victim should consider into their safety plan?

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Securing Important Documents:

Ensure that essential documents like identification, passports, and legal papers are stored in a secure and accessible location. Consider creating duplicates or storing copies with a trusted friend or family member.

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Legal Assistance:

Seek information about legal options and resources available, such as obtaining restraining orders or exploring avenues for custody arrangements.

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Cultural Sensitivity:

Consider cultural nuances and sensitivities when developing the safety plan to ensure it aligns with the individual’s unique background and needs.

Keep in mind:

For a safety plan to be effective, it’s crucial to ensure that the information provided is honest and accurate.

Once you’ve finished creating your safety plan, store it in a secure location that is easily accessible to you. Consider sharing a copy with a trusted person you can rely on.

If you feel uncomfortable keeping a printed copy, you can still utilize the safety tips and try to memorize at least one phone number of a trusted individual. This way, you’ll have a backup plan in case of emergency.

 

How can I provide support and safety planning for non-status, refugee, refugee claimants and immigrant women facing domestic violence?

There are many reasons why women may be forced to migrate, including the dismantling of their lands, gender-based violence, oppression, persecution, political upheaval, femicide, war, economic violence, and the impacts of colonization and globalization.

Upon arrival in Canada, a migrate womanโ€™s immigration status will play a huge role on the level of barriers and oppression she may face, particularly when accessing services.

Recognizing the unique needs of migrant women who have fled under extreme circumstances and with an immense need for support to overcome the impacts of migration, gender-based violence, and the resettlement journey is the first step in working with newcomer women.

Among the steps and actions needed when providing services to migrant women and girls in their journey towards reaching safety, it’s important to adopt a feminist, anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, intersectional, decolonial, and culturally appropriate approach.

This ensures that support is tailored to their unique experiences and challenges, fostering a safe and empowering environment for healing and recovery.

 

To learn more about how better support women with precarious immigration status, refugees, refugee claimants and immigrant women facing domestic violence visit the links below:

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How to support Non-Status, Immigrant, Refugee, and Refugee claimants facing Intimate Partner, Domestic or Sexualized Violence training

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Safety Assessment and Safety Planning Tool

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Toolkit for Lawyers to Work with Battered Women

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Toolkit for Immigrant Women Working with a Lawyer

If you or someone you love is in need of support, please contact the Battered Women Support Services Crisis Line:

Call toll-free: 1-855-687-1868
Metro Vancouver: 604-687-1867

Understanding Online Coercive Control

May 15, 2024 | Safety Resource Series

Understanding Online Coercive Control in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence

Understanding Online Coercive Control in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence

Safety Resource Blog Week Five

 

Nowadays, many survivors’ journeys to seeking safety from an abusive relationship start with technology.

Technology is a powerful ally. Whether it’s for research, accessing resources, creating safety plans, finding support groups, or reaching out for help, the internet and technology stand as lifelines for many survivors.

However, technology also has a dark side, presenting risks for victims of violence. In the hands of abusers, this powerful ally can transform into a weapon capable of inflicting harm on their partners. This malicious use includes surveillance, tracking devices or software, threatening messages, restricting access to technology, manipulation of smart home tools, and a range of other insidious tactics.

In this digital era, the very tools that offer support to survivors also harbour potential threats, highlighting the complex balance in harnessing technology for empowerment while safeguarding against its malicious misuse.

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What is Online Coercive Control?

Online coercive control refers to a form of abusive behaviour in which one person uses technology to control, manipulate, or threaten another person.

This behaviour can occur within any form of relationship, whether it’s with an intimate partner, within a family dynamic, or even among friends. It can be carried out using any technological devices, social media, and other online platforms to monitor, harass, and exert power and control over the victim. In the context of intimate partnerships, this type of abuse is often referred to as Technology-Based Intimate Partner Violence (TB-IPV).

Itโ€™s important to remember that online abuse takes on various forms, ranging from hurtful actions like spreading embarrassing or cruel content about someone, to impersonation, doxing, stalking, and electronic surveillance. Additionally, it includes the unauthorized use of someone’s photos and the issuance of violent threats.

The demonstration of online abuse is diverse and includes a spectrum of harmful behaviours that can deeply negatively impact victims. Learn more about online abuse, the tactics, and internet safetyย here.

Letโ€™s continue to delve deeper into the complex web of online coercive control, exploring its manifestations, impact, and strategies for both awareness and protection.

 

Here are some ways that online coercive control appears in an intimate partner relationship:

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Surveillance and Monitoring:

Abusers use tracking devices, spyware, or monitoring software to invade the privacy of their victims, creating a constant atmosphere of surveillance.

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Threatening Messages:

Abusers use messaging platforms to deliver threat and intimidation.

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Restriction of Access:

Victims may find themselves cut off from technology, as abusers use control tactics to limit access to communication and information.

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Smart Home Tools:

The smart home technology provides another avenue for control, as abusers manipulate devices to survey and harass their partners within the confines of their own homes.

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Financial Control:

Abuse can extend to financial aspects, such as controlling the victim’s access to online banking, monitoring their spending, or using technology to restrict their financial independence.

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Revenge Porn:

Sharing intimate or explicit images without consent, commonly known as revenge porn, is another form of abuse aimed at humiliating and controlling the victim.

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Identity Theft:

Abusers may use digital methods to impersonate the victim, create fake accounts, or manipulate their online presence, leading to reputational damage and further control.

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Did you know?

The Metro Vancouver transit cards, also known as Compass Cards, pose a risk to women in abusive relationships.

Registering a Compass Card allows for tracking, which can compromise the safety of women in abusive situations. Click here to learn more on how to keep yourself and loved ones safe from compass cards.

Whatโ€™s the Impact on Survivors?

The outcome of online abuse goes far beyond the online world, affecting the emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of victims.

This can lead to stress, anxiety, and a heightened risk of depression for those trapped in this form of abuse.

Beyond the immediate emotional toll, victims often deal with the loss of their self-esteem. The isolation from support networks further adds to the difficulties faced by survivors, creating an environment where seeking assistance becomes increasingly difficult.

 

Here are some ways to stay safe:

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Secure your devices: Change your passwords, Enable two-factor authenticator.

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Check your social media settings: Adjust your privacy settings, Limit the personal information you share and be mindful of accepting unfamiliar people.

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Educate yourself: Stay informed about common tactics, spyware apps and tracking devices.

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Seeking Professional Support: Consult with cybersecurity experts and speak to a professional to address any emotional impacts.

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Legal Protections: Familiarize yourself with laws and regulations related to online abuse in your jurisdiction.Top of Form

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Did you know?

In Canada, a new bill is being introduced: Bill C-332, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (controlling or coercive conduct).

This bill is being brought forward by NDP MP Laurel Collins, who stated, โ€œCriminalizing coercive control means giving victims and survivors additional tools to leave abusive situations.

We have a responsibility to give these victims more control, more autonomy, and more power to escape dangerous situations, hopefully, to prevent the all-too-common escalation to violence.โ€

Remember, staying safe from online coercive control involves a combination of technological vigilance, education, and seeking support.

If you or someone you love is in need of support, please contact the Battered Women Support Services Crisis Line:

Call toll-free: 1-855-687-1868
Metro Vancouver: 604-687-1867

Signs of an Abusive Relationship

May 8, 2024 | Safety Resource Series

Recognizing Red Flags: Signs of an Abusive Relationship

Recognizing Red Flags: Signs of an Abusive Relationship

Safety Resource Blog Week Four

 

Last weekโ€™s resource, we discussed the differences between a toxic relationship and an abusive relationship.

So, in this resource, let’s dive into the everyday warning signs of abuse and gain some understanding of tackling problems before they escalate further and potentially cause more harm.

Have you ever stopped to assess the health of your relationship or suspected that someone close to you might be involved in an unhealthy situation?

 

Spotting the signs of an abusive relationship can indeed be challenging, but they serve as indicators of a potential abusive relationship.

It’s crucial for maintaining a healthy dynamic and fostering a positive environment in your relationship. The people closest to us hold significant influence over our joy and mental well-being, so it’s vital to be vigilant in looking for these signs.

 

Understanding Toxic and Abusive Relationships

On the journey to weaving those meaningful connections, we often encounter relationships that are labeled as “toxic.” This term is commonly used across various facets of our lives, whether it’s within platonic friendships, family dynamics, workplace environments, or intimate partnerships.

Toxic relationships encompass a multitude of negative behaviours, including constant criticism, communication breakdowns, and emotional manipulation, which collectively foster an unhealthy atmosphere.

Abusive relationships entail a more severe escalation, manifesting in various forms such as physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, control, and manipulation, ultimately creating a heightened sense of danger. However, both types of environments can be unsafe, hostile, and challenging to navigate.

It’s crucial to note that toxic relationships have the potential to escalate into abusive relationships. Recognizing the warning signs early on can help prevent further harm.

 

Identifying Red Flags

Understanding the signs of a toxic relationship may be the beginning to the journey of tackling the deeper issues at play. Realizing that an unhealthy connection might just escalate into abuse is an important awareness. Staying alert to those sly hints of trouble becomes key in navigating these intricate dynamics and finding your way to safety.

Now, let’s take a closer look on some behaviourโ€™s worth keeping an eye out for.

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Lack of Trust

  • Suspicion, jealousy, and unfounded accusations.
  • Difficulty believing or relying on the partner.
  • Erosion of trust leading to strained connections.
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Constant Criticism

  • Regular belittling, insults, or demeaning comments.
  • Undermining self-esteem and self-worth.
  • A pervasive negative atmosphere in the relationship.
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Controlling Behavior

  • Monitoring and restricting activities.
  • Isolation from friends and family.
  • Making decisions without consulting the partner.
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Lack of Communication

  • Difficulty expressing feelings openly.
  • Unresolved issues due to poor communication.
  • Emotional distance and a sense of being misunderstood.
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Emotional Manipulation

  • Guilt-tripping to control behavior.
  • Playing the victim to garner sympathy.
  • Emotional outbursts to manipulate outcomes.
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Inability to Resolve Conflicts

  • Escalation of conflicts into heated arguments.
  • Unresolved issues leading to lingering tension.
  • A repeated cycle of conflict without resolution.
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Gaslighting

  • Manipulative tactics to make the victim doubt their reality.
  • Denying or trivializing concerns and feelings.
  • Creating confusion and undermining self-confidence.
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Inequality in Power Dynamics

  • Imbalance in decision-making and influence.
  • One partner exerting excessive control over the other.
  • A feeling of powerlessness or lack of autonomy.

Spotting Signs of an Abusive Relationship

Spotting these signs is imperative for individuals to assess the realities of their relationships and take appropriate steps to address and resolve toxic dynamics. If you or someone you’re close to finds themselves tangled up in abusive relationship, seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can be helpful in breaking free from harmful patterns before they escalate.

(Learn more about the difference between a toxic relationship and an abusive relationship in last weekโ€™s resource)

 

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REMEMBER!

Any forms of Abuse are never your fault. Talk to someone you trust and make a safety plan.

Seeking Help

When you’re entangled in an abusive relationship or suspect someone close to you might be, taking a step to seek help is necessary for finding a resolution.

We understand that it might feel quite daunting to take that first step, but keep in mind, you’re not alone, and there might be local resources waiting to support you.

Understanding that every survivor’s journey is unique and the road to intervention differs for each person is key. Seeking help can mean various things, like opening up to a trusted friend, setting boundaries, walking away from the relationship, taking a break, or creating a safety plan.

The key is recognizing that there are many paths to steer you toward a healthier and safer environment.

You are not alone.

If you or someone you love is in need of support, please contact the Battered Women Support Services Crisis Line:

Call toll-free: 1-855-687-1868
Metro Vancouver: 604-687-1867

Toxic Relationships vs. Abusive Relationships

Apr 30, 2024 | Safety Resource Series

Toxic Relationships vs. Abusive Relationships

Toxic Relationships vs. Abusive Relationships

Safety Resource Blog Week Three

For todayโ€™s resource, we will be distinguishing the differences between toxic and abusive dynamics, which is a must when moving through the complexities of human connections.

While both terms are often used interchangeably, it’s key to recognize the subtle yet significant differences.

Toxic relationships pack in a bunch of negativitiesโ€”think constant criticism, communication black holes, and emotional puppetry, all brewing up an unhealthy environment.

On the continuum, abusive relationships involve a more severe escalation, with many different forms such as physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, control, and manipulation, creating a heightened sense of danger.

Nonetheless both environments can be unsafe, hostile and difficult to navigate.

 

Here are common types of abuse:

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Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves any form of violence or force inflicted upon a person, causing bodily harm or injury, such as hitting, punching, or kicking.

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Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse refers to any non-consensual sexual activity or behavior imposed on an individual, including rape, molestation, or coercion.

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Online Abuse

Online abuse occurs when technology is used to harass, intimidate, or control someone, often through methods like cyberbullying, stalking, or sharing private information without consent.

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Emotional and Verbal Abuse

Emotional and verbal abuse encompasses behaviours that harm a person’s self-esteem or emotional well-being, such as constant criticism, insults, manipulation, or threats.

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Financial Abuse

Financial abuse involves controlling or exploiting someone’s financial resources, limiting their access to money or assets, or using money as a means of power and control within a relationship.

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Stalking

Stalking involves repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, or surveillance directed towards a person, causing fear or distress, either in person or through methods like phone calls, texts, or social media.

It’s important to note that abuse can manifest in various ways, and the severity may vary. For additional information on abuse or to seek support, please visit bwss.org.

 

Effects of Toxic Relationships

The impacts of toxic relationships go way beyond just simply messing with your emotions; but also affecting mental health, self-worth, and overall well-beingโ€”persisting both during the relationship and after its termination.

We need to challenging the idea that a toxic relationship without physical violence is less serious. The impact of verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse can be just as significant as the more visible forms.

Survivors of toxic relationships often face various negative consequences. Let’s take a look at what survivors of toxic relationships may encounter in the long term.

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Impaired Mental Health:

  • Persistent stress and anxiety.
  • Increased risk of depression.
  • Chronic emotional distress and instability.
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Low Self-Esteem:

  • Continuous criticism erodes self-worth.
  • Diminished confidence and self-belief.
  • Difficulty in trusting oneself and others.
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Isolation and Loneliness:

  • Alienation from support networks.
  • Limited social interactions due to toxic dynamics.
  • Prolonged feelings of loneliness and isolation.
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Physical Health Consequences:

  • Adverse impact on immune system functioning.
  • Increased susceptibility to stress-related illnesses.
  • Chronic health conditions due to prolonged stress.
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Impaired Decision-Making Skills:

  • Difficulty making choices independently.
  • Fear of consequences and hesitation in decision-making.
  • Reliance on external validation for choices.
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Emotional Detachment:

  • Fear of vulnerability and emotional closeness.
  • Emotional numbness as a coping mechanism.
  • Struggles with forming deep emotional connections.
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Trust Issues:

  • Difficulty trusting others due to past betrayals.
  • Fear of being deceived or manipulated in future relationships.
  • Guarded and cautious approach to forming new connections.
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Reduced Life Satisfaction:

  • Diminished overall happiness and life fulfillment.
  • Inability to derive joy from personal and professional accomplishments.
  • Persistent dissatisfaction with various aspects of life.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms:

  • Intrusive memories and flashbacks to traumatic events.
  • Hypervigilance and heightened startle response.
  • Difficulty concentrating and sleep disturbances.
^

Financial Implications:

  • Economic instability due to financial control in the toxic relationship.
  • Difficulty managing finances independently.
  • Long-term impact on career and financial well-being.
^

Impact on Personal Development:

  • Stunted personal growth and development.
  • Hesitation in pursuing goals and aspirations.
  • Struggles in building a positive self-image.

Recognizing and tackling these long-term effects is key for survivors aiming to shake off the negative impact of a toxic relationship and kickstart their journey toward healing and recovery.

Getting support from friends, family, or mental health experts can be the supports you need to make a change.

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REMEMBER!

Any forms of Abuse are never your fault. Talk to someone you trust and make a safety plan.

Seeking Help

When you’re entangled in a toxic relationship or suspect someone close to you might be, taking a step to seek help is necessary for finding a resolution.

We understand that it might feel quite daunting to take that first step, but keep in mind, you’re not alone, and there might be local resources waiting to support you.

Understanding that every survivor’s journey is unique and the road to intervention differs for each person is key. Seeking help can mean various things, like opening up to a trusted friend, setting boundaries, walking away from the relationship, taking a break, or creating a safety plan.

The key is recognizing that there are many paths to steer you toward a healthier and safer environment.

You are not alone.

If you or someone you love is in need of support, please contact the Battered Women Support Services Crisis Line:

Call toll-free: 1-855-687-1868
Metro Vancouver: 604-687-1867