An Evaluation of the VIP Program (2007-2008 - BC Society of ...

16% were sexually assaulted;
37% reported emotional abuse in addition to physical violence.
Further to this, Aboriginal women were reported to be at three times the risk for
spousal violence according to data from 2003. Compared to 37% non-Aboriginal
women, 54% of Aboriginal women reported experiencing severe and life
“By college age, 40% of
individuals report that they
have been victims of
violence in the past.”
Forke et al., 2008
threatening violence (Statistics Canada, 2005). Police
statistics also support the findings that spousal abuse is
more severe for Aboriginal women (Statistics Canada,
2006). “Over the past two decades, there are
approximately 3,000 Indigenous women who have been
murdered or have gone missing.” 4
Children are often the silent victims of domestic violence.
Of the respondents, Forty percent of women reported that their children had
either heard or seen at least one episode of domestic violence. We know from
recent research that children and youth who witness domestic violence have
poorer outcomes when compared to children and youth who live in homes where
there is no domestic violence.
The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children
Among some of the particularly concerning research findings coming out of
studies that examine the impact of domestic violence on children are that these
children:
Often display elevated rates of depression, aggression, delinquency, and
other emotional problems (Steinberg et al, 1993; Edleson, 1999;
Fitzgerald, 2004).
Have lower academic achievement (Stalford, Baker, Beveridge, 2003)
Have increased attendance problems due to stress induced ailments or
fear for their mother’s safety (Bingham & Emde, 1997)
Are at increased risk for long-term negative neurological changes as a
result of chronic stress coupled with inadequate support (Carrion, 2006)
As a group, show that boys who are exposed to domestic violence are
twice as likely to abuse their own partners in adulthood (Strauss, Gelles
& Smith, 1990).
In order to address the dire consequences that result from
domestic violence, BC/ Yukon Society of Transition Houses
sought to find the most effective way to touch the lives of
children and youth in order that their futures would not have
to be dictated by their pasts. To that end, schools were
deemed the most appropriate venue for reaching as many
In 2006, amendments
to the Children’s Law
Reform Act require
judges to consider
family violence when
hearing custody and
access cases.
4 Quote from David Dennis (United Native Nations Society) in Vancouver 24hrs Newspaper, May 30,
2008
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