Assessing the prevalence of violence against women in Canada Heather Dryburgh, Ph.D. Statistics Canada Presented on behalf of Holly Johnson, Ph.D.

Overview u Statistics Canada’s experience in designing and conducting national prevalence surveys u Benefits of this work u Gaps in current data collection u A broader strategy for data collection

Statistics Canada’s prevalence surveys u 1993 national VAWS – 12,300 women u Partner violence module added to ongoing crime victimization survey – 25,000 women and men u Special module on stalking in 2004

Challenges of conducting prevalence surveys u Emotional trauma u Ensuring the safety of respondents u Definitions of violence u Reducing response bias

Benefits of the VAW surveys in Canada u Enhance public awareness u Provide detailed statistical data for practitioners, service providers, researchers, legislators u Provide detailed data on prevalence, correlates/risk markers, impacts, reporting to police, use of services u Develop a methodology for interviewing on sensitive topics

Current gaps u Immigrant and minority women (due to language, discomfort with the survey approach) u Homeless women u Abused women living in shelters u Those with mobile phones only u Other forms of violence: trafficking, forced prostitution

A broader strategy for data collection u Police surveys u Court statistics u Services for victims u Morbidity and mortality statistics u Other indicators of social change

A broader strategy for data collection Detailed police surveys that address:  trends in reported violence over time  repeat offending and victimization  charges laid  reasons for not laying charges  referrals made to specialized services  the use of peace bonds and restraining orders  other protections for victims

Court statistics:  reasons cases are dismissed or withdrawn  conviction rates  type of sentence and treatment ordered  bail granted or denied  supports and protections for victims provided at court  repeat offending and victimization according to type of sentence

Services for victims:  numbers of women and children using shelters each year  number of women using other types of services, such as sexual assault centres  repeat use of shelters and other services

Morbidity and mortality statistics:  women presenting for medical treatment for injuries resulting from violence  repeat medical visits due to injury  indicator of the severity of the problem, demand for health services resulting from violence, health costs due to violence

Other indicators of societal change:  surveys to monitor shifts in attitudes toward women and their place in society  socio-economic status of women: education, employment, income, age at marriage and first child  availability of services for abused women