The Myth: If someone is in an abusive relationship, they can just leave.
The Reality: Leaving an abusive relationship can be incredibly difficult. Fear, financial dependence, emotional manipulation, lack of support, and safety concerns are just some of the barriers survivors face. They often need resources and support to leave abusive situations safely.
Relationships are complex, and abuse can happen in romantic, familial, or even professional relationships. When abusive behaviour becomes part of a relationship, it creates layers of difficulty that make it harder to recognize, address, or escape.
Signs of abuse in relationships can include emotional, psychological, physical, verbal, sexual, financial, digital, or spiritual harm. This may look like constant criticism, belittling, manipulation, threats, or isolation. It could involve excessive jealousy, hitting, slapping, punching, or physically restraining someone. Abuse can also take the form of yelling, destroying belongings, shaming words, forcing sex, or withholding affection. Financial abuse might include preventing someone from working, controlling their income, or forcing them to sign banking documents. Digital abuse can involve posting private information without consent, sending threatening messages, or monitoring someone by stealing passwords.
Abuse in relationships is always about power and control. It can happen gradually over time, to the point where someone may not even realize they are in an abusive relationship.
Why We Do What We Do
Abuse often impacts individuals and their families for years before they feel ready or able to seek help. While research shows that women may leave an abusive situation an average of seven times before they can leave for good, it’s important to recognize that abuse can affect men and people of all genders.
With this understanding, we work to create opportunities for healing and growth, helping individuals break the cycle of abuse for themselves and future generations. We provide a safe space to rebuild autonomy, reclaim a sense of self, and work toward independence.
How We Do It
We will listen and believe anyone who reaches out to us, validating experiences without judgment. We provide emotional support and empower individuals to make their own decisions. We prioritize safety by creating personalized safety plans, maintaining confidentiality, and supporting their transition to a safe place when needed.
We also connect people to counselling resources, income assistance, legal support, and housing as appropriate. As advocates and professionals, we understand that leaving an abusive situation can be one of the most dangerous times in someone’s life. It’s an honour to provide care and support during these critical moments.
More Information
Cedar Strong Prevention and Intervention Society supports men, women and all gender expressions. We also operate the Jean Scott Transition House (for women) in Hope. If you or someone you know is living in an abusive relationship, you can call anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, at 604-869-5191 or text us at 604-869-1872. We can help with safety planning over the phone or simply listen, recognize their challenges, and provide support as they need it.