Programs & Services > Violence Against Women > Early Warning Signs of Abuse
Early Warning Signs
That your relationship might turn abusive
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One in four women will be abused by a boyfriend, girlfriend or intimate partner and more and more girls are experiencing this abuse at younger ages. That is why Family Service Toronto has produced the Early Warning Signs campaign. The campaign includes posters, a point-of-purchase display and a brochure that contains the Early Warning Signs quiz.
Inspired by a questionnaire produced by the Victoria Family Violence Prevention Society, Peter Crosby, director Family Service Toronto’s Family Violence Unit, approached the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services with the idea for a campaign that would target women--particularly young women—who are entering new, potentially dangerous relationships.
With funding from the Ministry, the agency put together the Early Warning Signs quiz and other information about how to develop a safety plan and the various resources available to victims gained through Family Service Toronto’s work with abused women.
The Early Warning Signs questionnaire is a simple way for girls and women of all ages and abilities to determine if they are in an unhealthy or dangerous relationship. The content of the questions were informed by women who were in abusive relationship and what they said they experienced with their partners.
The simple yes-or-no quiz takes only a few minutes to complete, and could help you steer clear of potential danger. Everyone has the right to be loved and cared for without being hurt physically, emotionally or sexually. Find out if your relationship is wrong and abusive by taking this quiz.
Read the Early Warning Signs brochure and quiz on-line or download it (PDF).
To arrange for counselling, please call our Service Access Unit, Tel: 416.595.9618
