Last revised: May 9, 2025
Abuse
Abuse is using something in a way that is wrong or harmful. Abuse can take many forms within interpersonal relationships, including violence. People can experience different forms of abuse at the same time:
Different forms of abuse | Definitions |
---|---|
Physical abuse | Using physical force (violence) or threats of physical force (violence) against another person. |
Verbal abuse | Using language (written or spoken) to harm someone. |
Emotional abuse | Causing emotional harm without physical injury (examples: insults, humiliation, criticism). |
Psychological abuse | Causing psychological harm without physical injury (examples: manipulating). |
Sexual abuse | Forcing sexual acts without consent (including making threats, unwanted sexual comments and advances). |
Financial abuse | Controlling someone’s access to money or using their money without their knowledge, consent or permission. |
Neglect | Causing serious harm by not providing the necessities of life. |
Violence
Violence is using force to cause harm. Interpersonal violence can occur between two or more people (i.e., slapping, hitting, kicking, biting, pushing, etc.).
Random acts of violence can occur between strangers.
Violence within families or between people who know each other (such as Intimate-Partner-Violence or Gender-Based-Violence) is often preceded or accompanied by other forms of abuse (such as verbal, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial abuse).
Violence and abuse of any kind are never ok. Help is available.
If you or someone you know is in danger or requires immediate support, please call 9-1-1.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or violence, please reach out to the Ottawa Police Victim Support Unit at 1-888-579-2888 (toll free) or email VictimCrisisUnitIntake@ottawapolice.ca. If you are asked to leave a message, please do so, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
You can also contact Unsafe at Home Ottawa through their online chat or by texting 613-704-5535 if you are experiencing violence and abuse, feeling unsafe, or would like some support. This no-cost service is available to support those in the Ottawa and Lanark County region.
Bullying |
Bullying can happen to anyone. It is often targeted and repeated. It is hurtful behaviour that involves power and can include teasing, conflict, aggression, intimidation and shame. Bullying can affect mental health, relationships, the sense of safety, the ability to learn and to participate in activities. It can impact everyone including the person experiencing the bullying, the person who is displaying the aggressive and/or intimidating behaviour (e.g., bully) and anyone who witnesses bullying. What to look for
How to support someone who is being bullied
Content adapted with permission from: Alberta- Bullying prevention. Where to find helpIf you or someone you know is in danger, call 9-1-1. Crisis supports and other mental health, addictions and substance use health resources are available. |
Child abuse |
Child abuse can look different in each scenario. It can be found in many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. In Ontario, there is legislation outlining that every person has a duty to report if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is or may be in need of protection. If you have concerns about a child or youth’s safety or well-being, report it to the local Children’s Aid Society. If you or someone you know is in danger, call 9-1-1. Crisis supports and other mental health, addictions and substance use health resources are available. |
Elder abuse |
Elder abuse is when a person, or group of people cause harm or distress to an elderly person. The harm can be financial, sexual, emotional or physical, or neglect. It can happen anywhere, such as in the home, community or an institutional setting. Learn more about preventing elder abuse and keeping yourself safe. If you suspect elder abuse within a retirement or long-term care home, it is the law to report it. Learn more about elder abuse (e.g., the signs, getting help, helping someone). If you or someone you know is in danger, call 9-1-1. Crisis supports and other mental health, addictions and substance use health resources are available. |
Family violence and abuse |
Family violence and abuse occurs between household members, or individuals in a relationship. It involves violent, threatening, controlling or coercive behaviour, causing intentional harm. Physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse or neglect can also occur. While family violence often occurs many times, or in a pattern of abuse, it can also be a single act of violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence or abuse, help is available. If you or someone you know is in danger, call 9-1-1. Crisis supports and other mental health, addictions and substance use health resources are available. |
Gender-based violence (GBV), intimate partner violence (IPV) and abuse |
Ontario’s Gender Based Violence Strategy defines gender-based violence as any form of violence based on:
While anyone can experience GBV, women, children, members of the LGBTQ2+ community, newcomers and Indigenous peoples have a higher risk of encountering this form of abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing GBV, IPV or abuse, help is available. If you or someone you know is in danger, call 9-1-1. Crisis supports and other mental health, addictions and substance use health resources are available. |
Hate crimes |
Hate crimes are violent actions towards certain groups of people. A person or group may be targeted for many reasons, based on their sex, race, religion, gender or identity. Hate crimes can range from physical assault to symbolic targets (like targeting a place of worship). Report hate crimes immediately to prevent further harm to the community. Learn more about taking action and challenging hate in Ontario. If you or someone you know is in danger, call 9-1-1. Crisis supports and other mental health, addictions and substance use health resources are available. |
Human trafficking |
Human trafficking involves recruiting, moving or holding a person (or persons) to exploit them for profit, usually for sexual reasons or forced labour. Human trafficking is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. It is one of the fastest-growing crimes worldwide. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a Canadian, confidential human trafficking support resource. It offers 24/7 confidential support to people seeking help. You can also call 1-833-900-1010 (toll-free number) to report a case or to learn more about the topic. In Ontario, there is legislation outlining that every person has a duty to report if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is or may be in need of protection. If you have concerns about a child or youth’s safety or well-being, report it to the local Children’s Aid Society. If you or someone you know is experiencing human trafficking, help is available in Ottawa. If you or someone you know is in danger, call 9-1-1. Crisis supports and other mental health, addictions and substance use health resources are available. |
Online bullying and harassment |
Online bullying and harassment are when someone uses online technology (like apps, emails, internet sites, social media, text messages, etc.) to threaten, harass, embarrass or control someone. It can damage a person’s reputation, relationships and impact their mental health. It can include stalking, surveillance, sexual harassment, impersonation and “doxing” (revealing a person’s identity or personal information online). If you or someone you know is experiencing online bullying or harassment, help is available. If you or someone you know is in danger, call 9-1-1. Crisis supports and other mental health, addictions and substance use health resources are available. |
Sexual abuse |
Sexual abuse refers to any sexual act that happens without consent, including threats or attempts to obtain sex or unwanted sexual comments or advances. Consent is voluntarily, enthusiastically and freely agreeing to engage in a sexual activity at a particular time without manipulation or threats – it only applies to the activity at that time. Consent can be withdrawn (taken back) at any time. It’s not just about saying “yes” or “no” once. A person needs to get consent for any new activity or any activities at a later time. Everyone involved must actively, willingly, and continuously give consent to the sexual activity. In Canada, some laws outline the age at which people can give consent. The use of substances can impact a person’s ability to give consent. Sexual abuse is not just physical. Sexual abuse can describe a range of actions, including
Anyone can experience sexual abuse. If you think you are at risk of sexual abuse or might have experienced sexual abuse, tell someone you trust, or contact the Ottawa Police Services. Their Victim Support Unit (VSU) will work to make sure that the best support and services are provided to people experiencing sexual abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse, help is available. If you or someone you know is in danger, call 9-1-1. Crisis supports and other mental health, addictions and substance use health resources are available. |
Street level violence and gun violence |
Street level violence is violence or abuse inflicted by a person or group of people in a public place. Gun Violence is violence and harm inflicted by a person or group of people with the use of firearms. For information on street level violence or abuse and gun violence visit Ottawa Police Services. If you or someone you know is in danger, call 9-1-1. Crisis supports and other mental health, addictions and substance use health resources are available. |
Workplace violence and harassment |
Workplace violence and harassment is when a person is threatened, intimidated or assaulted at work. In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) protects all staff and workers. It aims to ensure that everyone can work in a safe and healthy workplace. The OHSA includes information on the duty of employers to protect workers from workplace violence and harassment. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety provides resources for workers and employers on how to prevent workplace violence and harassment. For more information on general protection of safety in the workplace, please visit “Protection of physical safety” on the For workplaces - Ottawa Public Health page. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or harassment in a work setting, help is available. If you or someone you know is in danger, call 9-1-1. Crisis supports and other mental health, addictions and substance use health resources are available. |
Youth dating violence and abuse |
Youth dating violence and abuse is any violence, abuse, threats or manipulation by a partner within a romantic or sexual relationship. More information on youth dating violence can be found at Addressing Youth Dating Violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse in a relationship, help is available. If you or someone you know is in danger, call 9-1-1. Crisis supports and other mental health, addictions and substance use health resources are available. |
Local data |
Mental health, Addictions and Substance Use Health in the Community Dashboard: The dashboard presents community-level data on:
Community Safety Data Portal: The Community Safety Data portal provides an overview of police activity to the community. It encourages community engagement by providing transparent information. Through this portal, members of the public can view, download and interact with data released by the Ottawa Police Service. Crime Map (YTD). |
Help prevent violence and abuse in our community |
Violence and Abuse can be prevented, and we can all do our part to keep others safe. Bystander Intervention is an effective strategy to help prevent violence and abuse. It involves playing an active role in your community by choosing to respond safely when you notice a potentially harmful situation. Take the Party Safer E-training to learn more. Other things we can all do to help address and prevent violence and abuse, include:
Additional Resources and SupportsFor a complete list of resources and services in our community, please see the Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health Services and Resources webpage. |
DISCLAIMER : Content for this page was adapted with the permission of South-East Health Unit (formerly Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health).
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