Domestic and Intrafamily Violence

Every year domestic and intrafamily violence in Montréal:

• Leads to 15,500 calls to 911
• Represents approximately 30% of crimes against persons
• Accounts for around 15% of homicides

Domestic violence means using force, intimidation or fear to control and dominate someone and compel them to do things against their will. Domestic violence can take different forms:

Psychological violence 
Intimidation
Humiliation
Terrorization
Enforced isolation

Verbal violence 
Insults
Hurtful words

Physical violence 
Pushing
Slapping
Hitting

Sexual violence 
Unwelcome sexual relations

Economic violence 
Financial control
Refusal to give money

The consequences of these types of violence are extensive:

For the victim: being injured, worried, depressed, sick. Always being afraid, loss of self-esteem and self-confidence, inability to concentrate. 

For the children: being aggressive, depressed and having problems at school.

For the family: relationships between family members are not harmonious and everyone feels isolated.

It has been proven that domestic violence invariably follows the same cycle: increased tension, explosion of violence, followed by a period of calm. The episodes become increasingly frequent and increasingly violent. The cycle of violence must be broken as early as possible.

Criminal charges may be laid in cases of domestic or family violence. 

The Ville de Montréal Police Officers will help anyone who has been subjected to violence. Their primary duty is to rescue the victim and ensure the safety of the family.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, break the silence!  Don't blame yourself.