Supporting a Friend
Your friend tells you they are having problems in their relationship. The best first thing to do is this.
Listen without judgment
A partner says, “I just get jealous because I love you so much,” and wants to know where you are all the time. This may be a sign of this.
Controlling behaviour/ coercive control
This is something important to have prepared in case you need to leave quickly.
Emergency bag with important documents
418-368-6883. what is this number?
The shelter's number
We only have one shelter
False, we actually have 2. The second is MH2 which is for women who are in the process of rebuilding their life post-separation. They have had external follow-up with myself or Anne-Marie or have been referred by another professional.
A friend confides that they are scared of their partner but asks you not to pressure them. What would be a supportive response?
I'm here for you or how can I help?
Your partner apologizes after hurtful behaviour, promises to change, is loving for a while, then the behaviour happens again. This pattern may be called this.
The cycle of abuse
A friend is not ready to leave their relationship, but feels unsafe at times. One important thing they can still do is this.
Create a safety plan and gather information on resources
If you want external follow-up in English regarding an abusive relationship, who can you contact?
Shanna. This service is for women going through conjugal violence or post-separation violence (ongoing harrassment, etc.)
For service in French, you would contact Anne-Marie Roy
Arguments mean a relationship is automatically unhealthy.
False, arguments are normal in relationships. Power and control is not
This is one thing you should avoid doing when helping a friend in an unhealthy or abusive relationship.
Blaming, judging or forcing decisions
A partner constantly jokes about you in front of others, then says, “You’re too sensitive.” This may be an example of this.
Emotional abuse or manipulation
This is something you can do to protect your privacy on your phone or social media.
Change passwords, turn off location, clear search history
What is something you are guaranteed to have when reaching out to our services?
Respect, confidentiality, empathy
You must be in crisis to contact a women’s shelter or outreach service.
False, we are there to help her understand what she is experiencing
Your friend suddenly stops seeing people, checks in constantly with their partner, and seems nervous about upsetting them. This may be a sign of this.
Controlling behaviour or abuse
Define: healthy boundaries
Respecting no and limits
This type of behaviour can signal increased risk in a relationship.
Isolation, escalation of control, threats
Besides from external follow-up, what else do I do?
Events to raise awareness in the community
Emotional abuse is less harmful than physical abuse.
False, they are damaging in different ways
“It’s not that bad… I’m just confused.” They are not asking to leave, but they seem upset. This may still be a good time to offer this.
The contact information for L'Aid'Elle
This happens when one partner controls spending, bank access, or prevents the other person from working.
Financial abuse
This is something important to consider when planning to leave a situation safely.
A plan: Timing, transportation, where to go.
This is something services can help with even if someone is just feeling unsure or confused.
Emotional support and follow-up, defining the abuse with the woman
Leaving an abusive relationship is the most dangerous time for a woman.
True, the most dangerous time for a survivor is when they leave the abusive partner; 75% of domestic violence related homicides occur upon separation and there is a 75% increase of violence upon separation for at least two years.