Impact of Domestic Violence on Women in Ontario and How Support Systems Help Survivors Regain Their Power 

Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue across Ontario, affecting thousands of women each year and leaving long-term impacts on their physical, emotional and economic well-being. While public awareness around intimate partner violence has grown, the need for responsive, accessible and survivor-centered support systems continues to be urgent. 

Domestic violence against women can take many forms, often occurring simultaneously. Below are the main types of domestic violence women may experience: 

1. Physical Abuse: This includes hitting, slapping, kicking, choking, pushing, burning or any physical harm. It can also involve denying medical care or forcing alcohol/drug use. 

2. Emotional or Psychological Abuse: This includes verbal insults, threats, constant criticism, gaslighting, humiliation, intimidation and isolating a woman from friends and family. It aims to erode self-esteem and independence. 

3. Sexual Abuse: This involves any non-consensual sexual activity, including rape, forced sex acts or reproductive coercion ( sabotaging birth control is an example). Even within a relationship or marriage, consent is required. 

4. Financial or Economic Abuse: This restricts a woman’s access to money, education or employment. Abusers may control finances, withhold money, prevent job opportunities or force debt in her name. 

5. Verbal Abuse: A subset of emotional abuse, this includes yelling, name-calling and persistent belittling that damages confidence and mental health. 

According to data from Statistics Canada, approximately 44 per cent of women who have been in an intimate partner relationship have experienced some form of psychological, physical or sexual abuse. In Ontario, shelters and crisis lines report consistent demand, with many services operating at or above capacity. 

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified the crisis. Isolation measures and economic stressors increased both the incidence and severity of domestic violence. The Assaulted Women’s Helpline in Ontario reported a 60 per cent spike in calls during lockdown periods. Women living in rural or remote areas faced heightened challenges, including fewer shelter spaces, longer distances to services and limited public transportation options. 

Domestic violence has far-reaching consequences. Beyond immediate physical injuries, survivors often experience anxiety, depression, PTSD and financial instability. Many lose their jobs or housing while trying to escape abusive environments. For mothers, the fear of losing custody can be a barrier to seeking help. 

However, support systems across Ontario are playing a key role in helping women regain safety and control over their lives. Transition houses, such as those operated by Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region and Interval House in Toronto, provide not only emergency shelter but also trauma-informed counseling, legal advocacy and housing support. 

Second-stage housing programs offer longer-term assistance, allowing women and their children to rebuild their lives in a stable environment. Community-based organizations like YWCA Toronto and Luke’s Place in Oshawa provide specialized services, including legal support for family law issues and court accompaniment. 

Financial empowerment is another focus area. Programs like the Canadian Women’s Foundation’s economic development initiatives help survivors access skills training, education and job placement services. These interventions are essential for helping women achieve independence and avoid returning to abusive situations. 

Importantly, many agencies are integrating culturally specific services to address the unique needs of Indigenous, immigrant and racialized women. The Ontario Native Women’s Association and agencies like South Asian Women’s Centre in Toronto tailor their support to cultural and linguistic contexts, improving trust and engagement. 

While Ontario’s support network for survivors of domestic violence is broad and diverse, it faces ongoing challenges such as underfunding, staff burnout and increasing demand. Advocacy groups continue to call for stable, long-term government funding and policy reforms that prioritize survivor voices. 

Addressing domestic violence requires more than emergency response. It involves prevention, education and sustained community investment. By strengthening these support systems and removing barriers, Ontario can help women move beyond survival to reclaim power, security and dignity in their lives.