Family and intimate partner violence in Canada is on the rise and while women and girls remain the main victims, the number of cases involving men and boys also appears to be increasing, according to new data.
Police-reported family violence increased by 17 per cent and spousal violence by 13 per cent between 2018 and 2023, according to a Statistics Canada report released Thursday.
In 2023, there were a total of 139,020 victims of domestic violence and 123,319 victims of domestic violence reported to police across the country.
These figures represent a total increase of 3% last year in domestic violence, committed by spouses, parents, children, siblings and extended family members, and a total increase of 1% in domestic violence committed by current and former legally married spouses. , common-law spouses, romantic partners and others.
“Increases were observed regardless of gender, although they were greater among men and boys,” Statistics Canada noted in the data.
Humberto Carolo, executive director of White Ribbon, a Canadian organization that works with men and boys to end gender-based violence and discrimination, said the data is “concerning” but likely underestimated, because many people do not come forward or are unable to do so. seek support.
The rate of reported domestic violence against women and girls in 2023 was double that reported for men and boys, while reports of domestic violence were almost four times higher.
Women and girls also made up the majority of victims of such violence last year.
This comes as the term “femicide” – generally defined as the killing of a woman or girl based on their gender – was first used in August by the Ottawa Police Service.
Carolo said the disproportionate impact of violence on women and girls is rooted in the “power imbalance” that exists between men and women as well as the way boys and young men are often socialized to be dominant and hold back their emotions.
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“Many men resort to violence to ease their suffering, to control the situation, which has significant impacts on the lives of women and girls who undergo this experience, these actions, this violence,” he said. declared.
Why do men report greater increases in domestic violence?
Data from StatCan showed that the rate of domestic violence against men and boys increased by 19 percent and the rate of intimate partner violence increased by 20 percent between 2018 and 2023.
In comparison, women and girls reported a 15 percent increase in the rate of domestic violence and a 12 percent increase in the rate of domestic violence over the same period.
The increase is notable because it perhaps reflects greater awareness and education following the Me Too movement launched in 2017, which is leading to “more men moving forward,” Carolo said.
“We’re trying to break these gender stereotypes and expectations and norms that men are supposed to just endure the challenges and difficulties in their lives,” he said.
“Instead, we encourage men to step outside of these stereotypes and come forward and seek help to deal with the difficulties, stress, crises and, in many cases, violence that they they too suffer.»
StatCan highlighted research suggesting that “men and boys who experience domestic violence may be more reluctant to report it to authorities because of the stigma surrounding male victims.”
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, some men and boys have difficulty talking about domestic violence because of the pressure to appear strong, in control and like they don’t need help.
Carolo said there appears to be a better understanding among men and boys of the signs of violence, its impact and the need to seek support to avoid escalation.
Are other types of violence also on the rise?
Domestic violence against children, youth and the elderly reached a record high last year, StatCan also reported.
Domestic violence against children and young people most often came from a parent (60 percent), while violence against older people was perpetrated by their child in 35 percent of cases.
Carolo said greater investment in primary prevention is needed, as well as continued outreach, particularly among men and boys, to help them “break these stereotypes.”
Developing community programs, ending police bias and providing better training and capabilities to law enforcement could also help reduce violence, he said.
Carolo urged Canadians to speak up when they see signs of violence, whether at home, in the neighborhood or even at work.
“We all need to play a role because violence, domestic violence and family violence is a public issue. And we must all step up our efforts and accept our responsibility to help end this situation and better support those who experience violence.