As a child, this woman saw things a child should never see. Advocates say domestic violence is getting worse

Lydia’s childhood was marked by the trauma of witnessing intimate partner violence between her mother and her then partner. At just five years old, she vividly remembers the chaos and fear that ensued when police officers and a social worker showed up at their southwestern Ontario home. This event marked the beginning of Lydia’s journey into the child welfare system, where she spent the rest of her childhood and adolescence in various foster homes.

The impact of domestic violence on children and youth is profound, as Lydia can attest to. She shared how the experience shattered her ability to form trusting connections and bonds with others, as the constant upheaval of multiple foster placements left her feeling disconnected and alone. Witnessing domestic violence at such a young age can have long-lasting effects on a child’s development and well-being, leading to mental and physical health challenges, poor concentration in school, and difficulties forming healthy relationships in the future.

Intimate partner violence has become a major driver of calls to child welfare agencies across Canada, with reports skyrocketing since the COVID-19 pandemic. Valerie McMurtry, president and CEO of the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, highlighted the alarming rise in calls to child protective services related to IPV, emphasizing the urgent need for more support and intervention services for families experiencing chronic family breakdowns.

Katreena Scott, academic director for the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children at Western University, emphasized the importance of early intervention and support for families impacted by domestic violence. She highlighted the need for programs like Caring Dads and Mothers in Mind, which aim to help parents address unhealthy behavior patterns and create a safe and nurturing environment for their children.

For Lydia, the path to healing was a challenging one that involved lots of therapy and support from a loving foster family. Now, as a married mother of two, she hopes to see more support for parents like her own mother, who did the best she could in difficult circumstances. She emphasizes the importance of breaking the cycle of violence and providing resources and intervention services to help families heal and thrive.

For anyone impacted by family or intimate partner violence, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services. If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, please call 911 for assistance. Together, we can work towards creating a safer and more nurturing environment for all families affected by domestic violence.