Statistics

Two in five Canadian women suffer some form of abuse at the hands of their partners.
Women are at greatest risk of increased violence – or murder – at the hands of their partner during the time just before or after they leave an abusive relationship.
Spousal homicide accounts for 15% of all homicides in Canada. A woman is nine times more likely to be murdered by an intimate partner than by a stranger. *
Domestic abuse remains an immensely under-reported crime: it is estimated that just 25% of domestic violence incidents are reported.

Approximately 40% of domestic abuse/assault incidents begin during a woman’s first pregnancy
Children are present and witness the abuse in 80% of domestic violence cases.
Boys who witness domestic violence against their mothers are five times more likely to grow up to be abusers while girls who witness violence are five times more likely to grow up to be victims of abuse.
Children and adolescents who see their mother being abused experience emotional and behavioural problems similar to children who are physically abused.
Children who witness woman abuse frequently experience post traumatic stress disorder.

The costs associated with physical and sexual violence against women in Canada total over $4.2 billion each year. This includes medical fees, police services, social agencies, income assistance, unemployment, the justice system, educational support and temporary housing.
The costs of operating women’s shelters in Canada total more than $135 million each year.

* Click here to open OAITH’s most recent femicide list –
Ontario women murdered during the period November 26th 2021 to November 25th 2022.