Manitoba
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Family Violence Prevention Program

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Frequently Asked Questions

FVPP BannerQ – What is domestic violence?
A – Domestic violence is abuse or violence that occurs between intimate partners. An intimate partner could be a spouse or ex-spouse, common-law or ex-common-law partner, boy/girlfriend, ex-boy/girlfriend or a stalker (stalker imagines an intimate relationship) of the same or opposite sex. Domestic violence takes many different forms and includes:

  • physical abuse
  • mental and emotional abuse
  • sexual abuse
  • intimidation and threats

It involves the abuse of power and the betrayal of trust and crosses all socio-economic, religious and ethno-cultural boundaries.  Some of the common terms used to describe abuse from an intimate partner are:

  • family violence
  • domestic abuse
  • spousal abuse
  • domestic violence
  • wife/spousal abuse

Q – How do I know if it’s happening to me?
A – It can be hard to realize you’re caught in the cycle of abuse and it may be even harder to admit it to yourself or anyone else. You are living with domestic violence if someone close to you is:

  • hurting you physically
  • threatening to hurt you, your children,  family members,  pets
  • forcing you to have sex or watch others have sex
  • constantly humiliating you, calling you names or insulting you
  • isolating you from friends and family
  • monitoring your e-mails, phone calls, Internet activity
  • denying your access to food clothing, medication, any other basic needs
  • controlling your finances

Q – What are some of the signs that someone I know is being abused?
A – Domestic violence is often hidden or down-played by the abused person and the abuser. Both will often claim it’s a private matter. People who suspect a problem are often afraid to intervene. It’s important to know some of the signs:

  • frequent injuries from what the victim claims are “accidents”
  • increased isolation from family and friends
  • jumpiness, depression or anxiety
  • loss or decrease in self-esteem as a result of the abuse
  • avoidance of any form of confrontation
  • dramatic change in manner, mood or physical appearance
  • excessive coping behaviours: over-eating, smoking, substance abuse, or gambling
  • expressed fear of partner
  • partner’s jealousy or possessiveness
  • constant criticism from partner

Q – Why don’t victims just leave?
A – Many abused people do leave, but it is not always easy. The main reasons are:

  • They fear more violence and punishment. Research shows domestic violence often escalates when the abused person leaves the relationship. Some abusers repeatedly threaten to kill or seriously injure them if the abused person tries to leave.
  • Many say they stay for the sake of their children. Abusers may threaten to hurt or take away the children.
  • Some are afraid to leave because they have no money and can’t afford to support themselves or their children on their own.
  • Still others are too humiliated about being in the situation and don’t want anyone else to know.
  • Some stay because, in spite of the abuse, they still love their abuser and just want the abuse to stop.

Q – What kind of help is available in Manitoba?
A – There are many different programs available in Manitoba to help families living with domestic violence. The Family Violence Prevention Program Crisis Phone Line (at 1-877-977-0007, toll free) that can connect callers to all available services. There are 32 agencies across Manitoba that provide help for people affected by domestic violence:

  • Ten women’s shelters – emergency shelter and counselling for women and children who are victims of domestic violence (also, find accommodations for men who require a safe place)
  • provincial toll free crisis – automatically links you with the nearest shelter that will provide safety
  • nine women’s resource centers – provide information and referral, individual counselling, outreach and support groups for women
  • residential second-stage housing programs – offer protective, affordable, long-term housing for women who leave an abusive relationship, but need more than just physical protection
  • urban support programs – provide individual counselling, open and closed support groups, longer term counselling, training for other service providers and public education
  • specialized programs – include supervised access services for parents and their children and couples counselling.
  • services that address cultural needs are also available for Aboriginal, Francophone and immigrant women and children.

Q – Do these services charge fees?
A – Some resources may have service fees. But all these resources provide free services:

  • agencies and organizations listed on this website
  • agencies funded through Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP)
  • all Manitoba Justice, Victim Services programs

For a list of resources and support in Manitoba, go to

For more information on Victim Services, go to

Without help, abusive relationships only get worse.

Help is available

Contact one of the resources (see link below) for more information and find out how to create your own protection plan. If you are in an abusive relationship, or you know someone who may be, call 1-877-977-0007.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911

Click here for information on creating a protection plan
Click here for a list of resources and supports in Manitoba