Being a young person today isn't easy. You have to deal with homework, chores, curfews and dating. There's pressure to fit in at school, get good grades, and make your parents happy. For some young people, their relationship with their parents can be annoying or embarrassing at times, but otherwise "normal." They feel safe and secure at home, and they know their parents will protect them. But for young people who are abused, family life is much different.

If you're being abused or are exposed to family violence, the most important thing to know is you are not alone. You don't deserve to be abused. Family violence is a serious issue; some forms are criminal. There is help for you and anyone affected by abuse. There are also things you can do to protect yourself and others who are affected by family violence.

If you suspect someone that is experiencing family violence, please call the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 to find out how you can help. This 24 hour number is toll-free and available 7 days a week.

Justice Canada Website

The Family, Children and Youth Section of Justice Canada, through the Family Violence Initiative, has launched a new website to inform youth about family violence.

The site gives information on:

• types of abuse or violence that can occur in families;
• laws and other ways family violence is dealt with in Canada;
• how to get help; and 
• what young people can expect when they seek help.

The site is intended for youth who are experiencing family violence or know someone who is.

SafeCanada.ca

The Government of Canada has developed this website which features links to information on domestic violence for Aboriginal people, kids, parents, seniors, teachers and youth.

Materials and Resources

• Healthy Relationships - Information Sheet
• If There's Drinking, Drugs or Violence at Home: What Youth Can Do - Information Sheet
• Dating Abuse - Information Sheet
• Dating Abuse - Booklet
• Abuse in Same-Sex and LGBTQ* Relationships - Information Sheet
• Abuse in Same-Sex and LGBTQ* Relationships - Booklet
• What Schools can do about Child Abuse/Children Exposed to Family Violence - Information Sheet
• Family Violence "It's Your Business" - Community Resource Guide (2005)
  (see pages 16-22 for information relating to teens)
• Hand Over Mouth: Young Female - Poster
• Hand Over Mouth: Young Male - Poster

Please see the Materials and Resources webpage for additional publications to order free of charge.

*LGBTQ: A commonly used acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, trans-identified, two-spirited and queer identities.