Understanding Family Violence Within the CAF

Family violence is a complex issue that can include:

• Emotional, psychological and physical abuse
• Neglect or withholding of affection or attention
• Financial and resource control
• Sexual violence and coercion
• Social isolation, yelling, name-calling

Warning signs and red flags include:

• Negative partner reactions to an expression of needs
• Dismissing a partner’s facts, reasoning or logic (gaslighting)
• Behaviours indicating arrogance and entitlement
• Communication issues (difficulty in articulating arguments and sharing feelings)
• Contempt toward a partner (disrespecting, scorning, belittling)

Common feelings that accompany family violence include:

• Doubt, shame, embarrassment and fear of stigma
• Reluctance to report or approach service providers
• A sense that the situation is a personal matter
• Fear of repercussions

Acknowledging family violence can lead to:

• Acceptance, honesty and healing
• A new understanding of relationship dynamics
• A sense of trust and reliance on the community
• The first and key step to resolution

Knowing who to turn to:

• The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Military Family Resource Centers (MFRCs) and Military Family Services (MFS) offer a variety of supports developed with the unique needs of military members, Veterans, and families in mind
• These targeted supports include financial counselling, emergency grants, mental health counselling, emergency child care, spiritual support, and more
• There are many ways in which these supports can be accessed, including virtual and self-service options, online education, peer support groups, and connecting with community-based and civilian services