Women's Issues & Resources
POWER & CONTROL VS. EQUALITY


Five Areas of Abuse and/or Inequality:
  • Physical
  • Sexual
  • Emotional & Psychological
  • Spiritual
  • Financial

Recognizing the Warning Signs:
  • Your partner could be charming, but he refuses to let you leave the house
  • He lies to make himself look good and exaggerates his good qualities
  • He puts you down in public
  • He does all the talking and dominates the conversation
  • He alienates you from friends and family
  • He sees himself as the victim and acts depressed
  • He acts as if he owns you
  • He acts like he is superior and more valuable because he is the provider
  • You may be apologetic and make excuses for his aggression or rage
  • You are nervous talking when he is around
  • You are often sick and miss work due to issues at home

Remember...future behaviour is predicted on past behaviour unless your
partner/husband seeks professional guidance to understand that his reactions
to your behaviour, is not about you. It's about his own feeling of self-hatred,
self-betrayal, etc.

Men, for the most part, do not take responsibility for their own abusive
behaviour until they are either faced with a crisis and/or are mandated by the
courts. If you love your partner/husband, create a crisis that is both safe and
logical - think it through until you are sure you can follow through with the plan.

Abuse is not perpetuated by women. Of all abusive situations, 98% is
committed by men.

If you are being physically or sexually abused, make sure that you:
  • Call the police
  • Document and date all abusive behaviour and instances
  • Make sure to tell someone you trust about the situation
  • Make a plan of escape
  • Make sure you keep put personal identification for you and your children
    in a safe place

If you are being emotionally, mentally, spiritually and/or financially
abused:
  • Make informed decisions - Know what your rights are
  • Explore all options - Seek counselling for yourself first
  • Know what you want - Your body will tell you when you have had enough
  • Do not try to change him - You can only change yourself
  • You are not responsible for his behaviour
  • Become emotionally strong - Do not react  - You will deplete your own
    energy
  • Staying in the relationship because of the children is far more damaging
    for the children - It is better for your children to have one healthy parent,
    than two unhealthy ones
  • Do not make life-altering decisions based on your fear, resentment,
    revenge, etc.
  • Remember you have the right to be who you are - You have the right to
    be happy

Source: Safety Planning for Women who are Abused, Government of Ontario.

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The Rose
The rose is a reflection of our
Spiritual growth
The thorns represent
the challenges
Essential for our life’s journey
As we overcome each
obstacle
We will, inevitably, bloom—
for humanity
Has been on this journey for
eons
The appreciation that
everything
We do, think, feel and
believe has an
Impact on our state of
well-being
And the world around us
Self-awareness is necessary
Before growth
Transformation
can only occur
When we are open to new
Ideas and philosophies
But more importantly
Letting go of our false ego will
Awaken us to our Higher Self
Liberating us from
Fear, Guilt & Self-betrayal!

Rita Stillo

 If you are a women in any abusive situation and are ready to
seek help, there are several 24 hour crisis centres
in York Region.

Click Here for Information