Neighbours, Friends and Families

At Neighbours, Friends and Families, we use the term ‘intimate partner violence’ (IPV) (as opposed to terms like ‘domestic violence’) to be more inclusive of diverse relationships and experiences.

Historically, definitions of ‘domestic violence’ have excluded certain populations, including dating partners, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrant communities, and those in non-traditional family structures.

By using IPV, we acknowledge that violence can occur in all types of intimate relationships, and advocate for a broader, more inclusive understanding of safety and support.

Learn more about IPV: https://neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca

It can be normal for families to have disagreements or arguments. But if someone in your family is feeling afraid of another person, that’s not okay.

Family violence isn’t just physical abuse. It can take many forms — including emotional or psychological, sexual, and economic abuse.

Share this helpful guide to help spread awareness about what family violence looks like and how to keep safe.

Find a free PDF version of this guide and other resources on our website: https://www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca/nff_resources/posters-infographics/index.html

Missed our online learning session on men and sports? You can watch it now online 💻

“What If Sports Were What Men Need Them to Be?” highlights the community value in sport, the worrisome gender norms governing sport culture in Canada, and how sport might go in a new way: one which serves everyone better.

Presented in partnership with the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region.

Watch the recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtB3aQ8TJV8

2SLGBTQIA+ people experience disproportionately high rates of gender-based violence (GBV), including intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence. In Canada, 67% of LBG women, 60% of Trans women, and 54% of GB men experience some form of IPV.

This infographic shares information about the unique forms of GBV/IPV, warning signs, how to show support, and how to safety plan with victims/survivors.

Find other free resources on our website: https://www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca/nff_resources/posters-infographics/index.html

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious issue that affects many people worldwide. In order to effectively address IPV, we must prevent and respond to it on a systemic level. Remember, we ALL have a role to play in ending IPV.

There are many ways that neighbours, friends, and family members can act to address IPV, including:

-Learning about the warning signs of IPV

- Educating yourself on healthy relationships, consent, gender equality, and diverse relationships

- Offering support and empathy to victims/survivors of IPV

- Volunteering your time, skills, or resources to organizations and shelters

- If you have the means, donating to organizations that provide support to victims/survivors

- Raising awareness about IPV — whether online or through word of mouth

- Supporting educational initiatives that promote healthy relationships, consent, education, and gender equality within schools, workplaces, and communities

- Fostering a culture of safety, respect, empathy, and have zero tolerance for any kind of violence

- Paying attention to your local, provincial, and federal political parties and take note of their stance on addressing gender-based violence

Learn more ways you can act to end IPV: https://www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca/nff_resources/act/index.html

Intimate partner violence (IPV) can take many forms, one being emotional violence (also known as psychological violence).

Emotional violence includes any non-physical behaviour that can cause harm, such as:

- Insults and belittling
- Constant humiliation
- Name-calling
- Intimidation
- Threats of harm
- Threats to children and pets

This type of violence is particularly dangerous as, over time, these behaviours erode a victim/survivor’s self-esteem and can make them question their sense of reality or judgment.

Learn more about what IPV can look like: https://www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca/learn/what-is-ipv/index.html

It’s not too late to register! 💻 Join us today for our online learning session, hosted in partnership with the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region.

Sport culture has long been a site of elevated violence, misogyny, and queerphobia. These issues have been fuelled by rigid and harmful narratives about what ‘real men’ are like. While sports are historically one of few outlets offered to men for socially acceptable community-sharing, these very spaces needed by men for the development of intimate friendships and connection to other men have instead become vectors of further isolation and violence.

In this talk, Maddy and Landon highlight the community value in sport, the worrisome gender norms governing sport culture in Canada, and how sport might go in a new way: one which serves everyone better.

Date & Time: Today (March 4), 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST
Where: This event will be hosted on Zoom (link provided upon registration)

Register today: https://kh-cdc-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_orytigboQeq1Om7hXxTvPQ #/registration

You don’t need to be a professional to offer valuable support to someone who is experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV).

If someone in your life is experiencing IPV, your support can make a difference.

Take our free, 1-hour online training to learn how to:

- Recognize warning signs and risk factors of IPV
- Have safe and supportive conversations
- Refer victims/survivors to appropriate services and support

Access the training: https://www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca/nff_online_course/index.html

Only 1 week away! 📆

Join us for our online learning session, hosted in partnership with the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region.

Sport culture has long been a site of elevated violence, misogyny, and queerphobia. These issues have been fuelled by rigid and harmful narratives about what ‘real men’ are like. While sports are historically one of few outlets offered to men for socially acceptable community-sharing, these very spaces needed by men for the development of intimate friendships and connection to other men have instead become vectors of further isolation and violence.

In this talk, Maddy and Landon highlight the community value in sport, the worrisome gender norms governing sport culture in Canada, and how sport might go in a new way: one which serves everyone better.

Date & Time: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST
Where: This event will be hosted on Zoom (link provided upon registration)

Register today: https://kh-cdc-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_orytigboQeq1Om7hXxTvPQ

It takes courage to face a situation where abuse is happening head-on, rather than trying to ignore it.

You may be unsure of what to say, afraid to escalate the situation. But doing nothing could make things worse.

You may feel that if they wanted help, they would ask for it. But they may be too afraid or ashamed to ask for help.

Start the conversation. Talk about what you’ve observed. Share your concerns. Remember: your goal is to build trust and open the door to a conversation. Above all, do not shame or judge the victim/survivor 🫂

Learn more about what you can do to support someone in need: https://www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca/learn/friends-and-family/index.html

Almost one third of people across Canada live in rural and remote communities.

NFF has partnered with Luke's Place Support & Resource Centre for Women & Children to develop resources on intimate partner violence (IPV) in rural communities, with information on how neighbours, friends, and families can support victims/survivors of IPV in rural and remote locations.

Learn more about rural realities and how you can be supportive: https://www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca/learn/rural-roots/index.html