1. Is Your Relationship Healthy ? By Maureen Birks Women’s Resource Society of the Fraser Valley

2. Who We Are: Women’s Resource Society of the Fraser Valley provides emergency shelter and emotional support for women and children who have experienced abuse in their family. We work with children who have witnessed abuse of their mother in their homes.

3. Acknowledgment It is important to acknowledge that not all men abuse women. This presentation is not about blaming men in general, but rather about gaining awareness into a dangerous relationship dynamic. Relationship abuse can happen to anyone, no matter what culture, ethnicity, religion, income status, gender, or sexual orientation you identify with. We acknowledge that abuse may be perpetrated by both men and women. However, because statistics reveal that there is a higher percentage of men who abuse women, we will be referring to the “abuser” as male.

4. What is Abuse? Definition: to treat in a harmful, injurious, or offensive way; to speak insultingly, harshly, and unjustly to another; to attempt to control some or all aspects of another person Types of Abuse – Physical – Sexual – Verbal – Emotional/Psychological Definition: to treat in a harmful, injurious, or offensive way; to speak insultingly, harshly, and unjustly to another; to attempt to control some or all aspects of another person Types of Abuse – Physical – Sexual – Verbal – Emotional/Psychological

5. Forms of Abuse in Relationships

6. Spot the Myth 5 posters – go to each poster, read the statement and answer with a or an x  “Jealousy and possessiveness are signs of true love”  “Name-calling and put-downs are ok if they are a joke”  “Emotional abuse is not as serious as physical abuse”  “Abusive behaviour decreases over time”  “A man can still be a good father even if he abuses his partner”  “If someone takes you on a date, they have a right to expect something from you” 5 posters – go to each poster, read the statement and answer with a or an x  “Jealousy and possessiveness are signs of true love”  “Name-calling and put-downs are ok if they are a joke”  “Emotional abuse is not as serious as physical abuse”  “Abusive behaviour decreases over time”  “A man can still be a good father even if he abuses his partner”  “If someone takes you on a date, they have a right to expect something from you”

7. Love Is/Love Isn’t

9. If someone you know is being abused... Try to express to them that you are concerned for their safety and respect and that no one deserves to be abused Encourage your friend to seek services(i.e.. Ann Davis Society, or Victim Assistance, etc...) Recognize that there are many reasons why partners stay in an abusive relationships and leaving can be the most dangerous time for a person. Above all, please do not take matters into your own hands and approach the abusive partner Try to express to them that you are concerned for their safety and respect and that no one deserves to be abused Encourage your friend to seek services(i.e.. Ann Davis Society, or Victim Assistance, etc...) Recognize that there are many reasons why partners stay in an abusive relationships and leaving can be the most dangerous time for a person. Above all, please do not take matters into your own hands and approach the abusive partner

10. Any Questions?