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Root Causes The underlying cause of woman abuse is the man’s need to control, often paired with a belief that men can or should be in charge. ​ Perhaps he learned these attitudes by watching his father, or because he was raised believing that men’s rights are more important than those of women or children or is surrounded by a community of peers with the same beliefs. Some social and historical factors that contribute to the dynamic of violence against women in our society: ​ Belief in Natural Superiority and Hierarchy – most societies subscribe strongly to the belief that hierarchical relationships among people are natural. Hierarchy and authority, supposedly, maintains order in our social relationships so that we do not descend into chaos. Accordingly, men, being “natural” superiors to women, are entitled to the position of authority in the family. Since men are entitled to authority within the family, their attempt to maintain the position by any means necessary is also given social approval, their attempt to maintain the position by any means necessary is also given social approval. Lack of Consequences for Using Violence – Men’s superior physical strength allows them to use aggression without the fear of meaningful retaliation from their victims. Given the “privacy” granted to the home environment, an atmosphere without significant consequences has been created for perpetrators of domestic violence. Social Conditioning – since masculine authority is regarded as natural and desirable, women are socialized to accept male power. The gender socialization in almost every society reflect the two sides of the same coin: boys are taught to dominate and girls are trained to accept this domination. Many girls are encouraged to be nurturing, non-confrontational, and to put the needs of others over their own. Girls are exposed to messages that being male is better, men cannot be expected to share domestic duties, women are only valued for their beauty and ability to have children, and women without a man should be pitied. Little boys are socialized in quite a different way. Boys can receive messages that being powerful and in control are good, thinking is better than feeling, and expressing feelings is a sign of weakness. As adults, some have difficulty appreciating the viewpoint of others. They may believe the man is the head of the household and his opinions and needs are the most important. Since masculine authority is considered the preferred condition in society, resistance by women is seen as unnatural, wrong, unfeminine, and a serious transgression of social and moral codes. Consequently, male violence to put down women’s resistance to their partner’s oppression is frequently viewed as justified and necessary, or at least understandable. Historical and Social Objectification of Women and Violence Against Women – Batterers are socialized in cultures that promote and support objectification of women. Portrayals of women in films and on television suggest that we collectively see women as legitimate targets of violence. Indeed, some people believe there are circumstances when a man is justified in hitting a woman, such as if she is unfaithful or he is drunk. Men who are exposed to multiple forms of hostility towards women (watching their fathers abuse their mothers, exposure to violent pornography, misogynist views about women, etc.) are primed to think and act with disrespect and loathing towards women. Rarely do men assault their partners while calling them by their given names. To understand these men as simply “choosing” to batter may be too simplistic. To see them as victims is a distortion. Inequality of Women – The Canadian Panel on Violence Against Women concluded that the root cause of woman abuse is the social, economic and political inequality of women. For example, women earn less money than men, their work at home is under valued, and few politicians are women.

Family Violence Helpline Compassionate Support Whenever You Need It: Reach Out to Our 24/7 F amily Violence Helpline CAWES' trained case workers are available 24/7, 365 days a year to support you in your journey. We are here to answer your questions, hear your voice, and provide support and advice in a non-judgmental environment. We understand that no two relationships are the same, and your situation is unique. Wherever you are, whatever you need – we are here to help. Toll Free: 1-888-346-5643 , Crisis Textline: 1-403-506-0485 CAWES relies on the generosity of the community to maintain our programs and services for women & children in need. To learn how you can contribute to CAWES , follow the link below to our donation options or Host a Fundraiser . Your involvement makes a s significant difference in the lives of those we aim to assist. Donate Today!

Why Women Stay She loves her partner, not the violence. Very ambivalent feelings. She made a commitment she feels she can’t break. She has no where to go. She has no money, or fears the poverty that may result for her and her children if she leaves. Relatives and in-laws want her to stay. Lack of continuous community and family support. She may not be able to physically leave the situation because she has a disability. Her partner may provide attendant care. She believes her partner can’t get along without her - he may have threatened suicide if she leaves. He takes her confidence away so she doesn’t think she can make it on her own. Victim overwhelmed by the immediate and long term physical and psychological trauma. She wants her children to grow up with their father.(Concerns for the children). She believes her partner will change.(Cycle of Abuse) She is afraid or ashamed. He makes her feel guilty and tells her the abuse is her fault. She believes she deserves the abuse. She may not be able to access the services she needs. She’s afraid for her own life and for her children’s lives. Lack of safe options for domestic violence victims and their children. The reasons why women stay in violent relationships are highly complex and occur on many levels. The aforementioned points attempt to breakdown and categorize some of the motives operating to cause a woman to stay. All of these factors are not found in each case but a combination of some of them is usually enough to keep the woman together with her partner.

Domestic Violence Court Program The Domestic Violence Court Program is managed by a group consisting of members of the RCMP, Crown Prosecutors Office, Community Corrections, Child and Family Service Authority, Women’s Outreach, Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre and CAWES . The program provides coordination and advocacy for women involved in domestic violence cases reaching docket court. Through the project, we work to enhance victim input and involvement in the court process, increase offender accountability and enhance outcomes for domestic violence cases. CAWES relies on the generosity of the community to maintain these programs and services for women in need. To learn how you can contribute to CAWES , read about our Donation Options , or browse our current Volunteer Opportunities .

Hosting an Event Show your support for CAWES by organizing a fundraising event. From BBQ’s to fashion shows and golf tournaments, you have the power to engage the community and raise important funds for families affected by domestic violence. ​ We’re here to help ensure your event is a success ! Download our Fundraising Toolkit for tips and tools on hosting an event that will get everybody talking. And be sure to email us with your idea so we can provide you with official CAWES materials and help to promote your event. ​ Email generalinfo@cawes.com to discuss your idea further. Let Us Know About Your CAWES Event First Name Last Name Email Event Details Event Date Send Thank you for submitting your request to host an event! We have received our form submission and someone from our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

What If I Am Being Abused Make sure you and your children are physically safe. Some safety tips to consider for your safety plan: ​ Practice how to get out of your home safely; Have a bag packed ready; Make up a code word to use with your children, family, friends, and neighbours when you need the police; Always try to take your children with you or make arrangements to leave them with someone safe; Inform your children’s school or day care about who has permission to pick up your children; Open a savings account in your name to start to establish or increase your independence; Have copies of important documents (ex. Birth Certificates, Health cards for you and your children, SIN, immigration papers, or other legal papers such as custody papers) in a safety deposit box or with a friend; If you have pets, consider safety options for them; Look at options for safety – Women’s Shelter, a friend, family, neighbour, motel, etc. Know that you are not responsible for the abuse; Understand that the abuse and violence are not likely to stop without intervention. Talk to someone you trust about what is going on – secrecy gives abuse more power. Care for yourself – anything that you can do to enhance your physical or psychological health will assist you to get through the difficult times Spend time with healthy people. Even if they cannot help you directly

Programs & Services Empowering Recovery: Comprehensive Support Programs and Services at CAWES At CAWES we offer a broad range of culturally sensitive programs and services to help women and their families overcome the impact of family violence and domestic abuse. Family Violence Helpline Learn More Accommodation and Basic Emergency Services Learn More Crisis Intervention Learn More Child Support Program Learn More Outreach and Follow Up Learn More Information / Referrals Learn More Domestic Violence Court Program Learn More CAWES relies on the generosity of the community to maintain our programs and services for women & children in need. To learn how you can contribute to CAWES , follow the link below to our donation options or Host a Fundraiser . Your involvement makes a s significant difference in the lives of those we aim to assist. Donate Today!

1/1 We believe Every individual has a right to live free from domestic violence Tammy's Story “The first time a man hit me I was 15 years old…" Read More Anita's Story "I have always said that my life began 17 years ago – I am now 45 years of age. For the first 28 years, I walked on this earth as though I lived in a haze…" Read More Heather's Story “…It never felt real that this did really happen to me and if it didn’t feel real to me how could other people believe me?” Read More CAWES provides shelter and assistance to women and their children who have suffered a variety of abuse. These are their stories... Survivor Stories

Warning Signs Is your partner jealous and possessive toward you, won’t let you have friends, checks up on you, won’t accept the breakup. Tries to control you by being very bossy, giving orders, making all the decisions, doesn’t take your opinion seriously. Is scary, you worry about how they will react to things you say or do. Threatens you, uses or owns weapons. Is violent; has a history of fighting, loses temper quickly, brags about mistreating others. Pressures you for sex, is forceful or scary around sex. Thinks women or girls are sex objects, he feels you are there for his pleasure only. Attempts to manipulate or guilt trips you by saying "If you really loved me you would..." or if he "Gets too serious about the relationship too fast." Abuses drugs or alcohol and pressures you to take them. Uses drugs or alcohol as an excuse why the hurt or criticized you. Blames you when they mistreat you. Says you provoked them, pressed their buttons, made them do it, lead them on. Has a history of bad relationships and blames the other person for all the problems. "Girls just don’t understand me." Believes that men should be in control and powerful and that women should be passive and submissive. Your family and friends have warned you about the person or told you they were worried for your safety.

Child Support Program At CAWES , we know that children are the future of our community, and we envision a future where all children feel safe, supported and encouraged to thrive. Our innovative Children’s Healing Centre provides a safe, nurturing environment for children to: Share their distress and pain in a trusting atmosphere Learn healthy and appropriate behavior Develop positive self-esteem Gather awareness about family violence Programming is consistent with age/developmental level and includes: Individual support and counseling Group support for children in-house SNOEZELEN multi-sensory therapies Recreational activities and outings Child-care while moms are attending appointments CAWES relies on the generosity of the community to maintain these programs and services for women in need. To learn how you can contribute to CAWES , read about our Donation Options , or browse our current Volunteer Opportunities .

Fundraising As a non-profit organization, we are always grateful for the goodwill and support of the local community to hold fundraising events. Fundraising takes time and hardwork to plan, but is rewarding and above all - fun! If you are considering holding a fundraiser for CAWES, please take time to read through some of the suggestions below or contact generalinfo@cawes.com to discuss your ideas further. Whatever you decide, every dollar helps us provide a vital service for women and children fleeing domestic violence in Central Alberta. Hosting an Event Show your support for CAWES by hosting a fundraising event. Fundraising Coming Soon! Fundraising Coming Soon! Looking for other ways to contribute to CAWES ? View our available volunteer opportunities , or learn how you can donate to our organization

< Back CAWES Amazon Wishlist More information on our "Amazon Wishlist Program" will be coming soon. In the meantime please direct any enquiries to generalinfo@cawes.com where a member of staff will be happy to help. Previous Next