A Message From SIS

Domestic or intimate partner violence is one of the most complex, misunderstood, and controversial crimes of today's society. If you are a victim of spousal violence you are not alone. If you know someone who is suffering in an abusive relationship, the information contained in this web-site will give you additional insight into the impact of spousal violence on victims and children. Hopefully it will be able to assist you in understanding the dynamics of these relationships and enable you to assist someone you love in reaching out for help.

Victims often feel shame and guilt for being victimized and therefore fail to reach out to others for understanding and support. They should not be faulted for this, as we as a society have been instilled with the belief that family violence is private and personal and should not be discussed outside the home.

Most women suffer in silence and feel that they are the only one that is being abused by their partner. Many feel that once they openly discuss their abusive situations, they will be forced to make decisions they are not ready to make for many reasons.

Women, and sometimes their children, become more isolated when victims leaving their spouses. They are emotionally distraught by their experience and often confused by the actions of their intimate partner. They feel overwhelmed by the judicial system, and how to take control or begin their lives free of abuse. Victims often lack family and community support and need to speak and relate to others who have experienced the same trauma.

If you know someone who is in an abusive relationship, (even if they have left and returned to their spouse) they need your emotional support and understanding.

The Toronto based SiS is a group that has been designed specifically for women who are presently or have been in an abusive relationship and need support and direction.

Our philosophy is to assist any female currently in an abusive relationship or recovering victims who are restructuring their lives and need encouragement and support through the transition period. Friendship, encouragement, understanding and kindredship are vital to the success of a person who has been victimized.

S.i.S. acknowledges that males are battered also and does not condone family violence regardless of gender. We encourage male victims to reach out to groups specific to their gender, and it is our belief that regardless of the fact the both genders are victims, it is not wise to put both in the same group in an effort to prevent gender conflicts.

However, statistically women are the highest percentage of victims therefore SiS was founded to meet the demand of helping the highest ratio of victims at present.

The S.i.S, self-help group is designed to support and advocate for victims through their time of crisis. Our mandate is to protect them by offering anonymity, and our goal is for victims to achieve self empowerment.

Barbara Mills,
Toronto based Domestic Violence Consultant