Family violence affects the safety and security of our homes and takes away our ability to trust loved ones. It affects every culture and socio-economic status and no family is immune from the risk or reality of violence within their homes.

We know that seven out of 10 victims of family violence are women, and we cannot lose sight of the harmful effects violence in the family has on children.

Children who witness family violence can be as severely affected as children who are direct victims of physical or sexual abuse. They experience lingering fear, which causes emotional and physical effects, even months or years after the abuse has ended.

There are services available for these children so that violence does not have to be their legacy or define their future.

If you or someone you love is experiencing family violence, there are resources close to home including transition houses, women’s centres, second-stage housing, law enforcement, and Community Services offices.

It’s important to note that these resources are safe and confidential. Victims or families can access information and services of a transition house or women’s centre without providing their name or contact information. For more information, call 1-855-225-0220 or visit http://www.nsdomesticviolence.ca

You are not alone. Help is out there. Please reach out today.

Source: Release