It can challenging to talk about Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) or family violence. Knowing how to respond or start a conversation can make a difference. WomanACT’s C.A.R.E ^© model provides practical steps to approach these conversations with compassion.

If you or someone you know is at risk, learn how to identify signs of abuse and reach out to local helplines for confidential help and resources. Together, we can support survivors this holiday season, and every day

For more information or to get involved, please contact: info@womanact.ca

Economic and financial abuse impacts every part of a survivor’s life, causing stress, anxiety, depression, and a loss of self-esteem. It often leads to poverty, housing instability, and limited career opportunities. The social impacts can include feeling isolated and becoming financially dependent on their partner/spouse. Legal and financial consequences include coerced debt and legal vulnerabilities.

This visual report outlines the social impacts of financial and economic abuse, and real-life examples of survivor experiences.

While research on financial abuse as a form of intimate partner violence remains limited, financial abuse is commonly used to exert power and control over women, often occurring alongside other types of abuse. This form of abuse is impactful because it strips individuals of financial freedom and independence, with lasting effects such as damaged credit and housing instability. 

This visual report explores what constitutes financial and economic abuse, real-life examples, and practical steps to protect your financial well-being. 

Understanding the legislative process is crucial to grasping how decisions are made, and laws are passed in our province. In Ontario, the journey of a bill from its initial proposal to becoming law involves several key stages and rigorous scrutiny. For Bill 173- The Intimate Partner Violence Act, 2024 to become law, it needs to pass through Ontario’s legislative process that includes the Legislative Assembly (Elected MPPs) and the Monarch (Head of State, represented by the Lieutenant Governor in Ontario).

WomanACT has developed this explainer on how a bill becomes law in the province of Ontario to help build community knowledge and understanding of the provincial legislative process.

We would like to acknowledge MPP Peggy Sattler’s office for their support in the creation of this resource.

Survivors shared their challenges navigating the legal system on their journey to safety and stability throughout the pandemic in research conducted by WomanACT and University of Guelph. The infographic looks at the supports requested by the survivors to help them navigate the legal system better.

Survivors shared their challenges navigating the legal system on their journey to safety and stability throughout the pandemic in research conducted by WomanACT and University of Guelph. The infographic looks at the number of legal factors survivors must account for.

Housing is critical to survivors’ safety, and there are opportunities for housing providers and landlords to develop policies and practices to protect the tenancies and safety of survivors.

Survivors’ experiences with landlords and private rental housing are examined in this infographic, along with their preferred safety solutions. 

Survivors living in private rental housing are faring worse than other Toronto renters.

The infographic looks at the living conditions of survivors, financial limitations, and eviction related to gender-based violence and rental housing barriers. 

It can be difficult for older women to connect and find appropriate services and supports for their needs. This is because most services lack an understanding of older survivors’ needs and how to effectively support them. 

This infographic recommends strategies for agencies across sectors to build age-friendly and inclusive supports and services for older women experiencing violence.

Age and gender both significantly impact older women’s experiences of violence.

This infographic demonstrates the interplay of gender and age in many areas of an older woman’s life and how the intersection increases the risk of violence and limits their ability to seek help.