about the cause
Family violence affects everyone of us in one way or another. We may know someone who has experienced it or it may have been you. Violence against women and children is a complex problem with complex solutions. Most forms of family violence are about abuse of power and the abuse of trust.
We must recognize that abuse takes many different forms, ranging from name-calling, emotional and psychological violence to physical and sexual battery. Any woman or child can suffer abuse, regardless of race, class, age, sexual orientation, geographical location and physical challenge. Furthermore, we must recognize that negative social attitudes, such as racism, classism, sexism, homophobia and discrimination against differently persons, contribute to continued abuse of women and children.
Emotional abuse is widespread. There have been only a few studies done. Studies have shown of women, married or common law, 77 percent of women reported emotional abuse in combination with physical abuse.
One Canadian study on abuse done in universities and in colleges showed that in dating relationships, 81 percent of male respondents reported they had psychologically abused a female partner.
Chronic verbal aggression ranked the second most prevalent form of mistreatment in senior abuse.
Children who see their mothers being abused are likely to contribute to the intergenerational cycle of abuse.
There is no excuse for abuse.
24 hour Crisis Line:
416.746.3701
Assaulted Women’s Help line:
1.866.863.0511
416.863.0511
Margaret is an accomplished international speaker with over 25 years experience, speaking on a wide range of subjects to corporations, associations and community organizations. Her background includes carefully customized presentations and keynotes on leadership, facilitation, mentoring, communication and team building.
Margaret is passionate about empowering women to take charge of their lives. By sharing her story of surviving domestic violence she can help women through adversity to a position of leadership. She shows audiences how to overcome all obstacles.