Thrive Relationship Abuse Prevention
What is abuse?
Abuse is a pattern of controlling behaviour. In families, an abusive person can use many tactics to gain power over another family member:
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Damaging personal property
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Name-calling, put-downs and other forms of verbal, emotional, or psychological abuse
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Hitting, punching, kicking, strangling, and other forms of physical abuse
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Sexual abuse
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Neglect
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Forced confinement
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Stalking
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Ridiculing a person’s religious beliefs
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Spending a person’s money or limiting their access to finances
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Threats to harm children, other family members, pets, and property
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Intentional or unintentional misuse of medications and prescriptions, such as withholding or providing doses that cause bodily harm, sedation or other adverse effect(s)
Relationship abuse cuts across every line of geography, income and social status. It is found in every community in our country and thousands of incidents of domestic violence occur every year. Abuse is not always observable through physical injury. Changes in behaviour, demeanour, and social relationships can also be a signs of issues in a relationship.
The sad news is that many incidents go unreported. Many of the households where abuse occurs also have a child/children present – which means there is usually more than one victim. Taking the enormous step to reach out is the first step towards change and the first step towards safety.
Do you need help?
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Are you seeking help creating a safety plan for yourself or family?
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Do you need to be connected with services, supports, and referrals for financial resources, legal advice and resources, housing options, and health and mental health support?
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Do you have questions on the impacts of family violence?
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Are you looking for information on resources for individuals who are concerned about their loved ones being involved in an abusive relationship?
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Are you concerned about an individuals abusive behaviours or about your own abusive behaviours towards family members?
We offer one-to-one, non-judgemental, respectful, and confidential support to anyone affected by family violence, relationship abuse, or elder abuse.
Thrive Outreach mentors support individuals impacted by abusive relationships by meeting one-on-one to evaluate personal safety, create safety plans, provide emotional, court, and referral support, and work with clients to identify and attain individualized goals for themselves and their families. They also work in the community to increase awareness and decrease the stigma associated with family violence, relationship and elder abuse. They actively work within school and youth serving organizations to promote healthy relationships.
This FREE program is available in Athabasca, Westlock, and surrounding areas.
Thrive Outreach Mentors provide
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Confidential support for those experiencing abuse
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Information and education on various types of abuse
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Practical safety and action plans
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Connections and advocacy to access community programs and services
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Develop problem solving and coping skills
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School and community educational programs to promote healthy relationships