The Hidden Epidemic: Family Violence in Ontario

Family violence is a deeply troubling and often hidden crisis in Ontario.

While many may not realize the extent of the problem, it has become an epidemic affecting individuals across all age groups—especially children, youth, and seniors.

After practising family law for over 15 years, and working as an Assistant Crown Attorney specializing in domestic violence for over 16 years, I thought I heard every story possible about what occurs behind closed doors in people’s homes. Then a new real life story enters. Our firm is now representing a woman who was raped and sexually assaulted by her husband, and decided to remain silent - until she finally broke.

I am shocked and alarmed that this occurs in our community and wish there was a greater public awareness campaign to deter and criminalize these perpetrators, and protect and empower would-be victims.

Despite the alarming statistics, the issue persists largely because it occurs behind closed doors, within the sanctity of the home, where victims are isolated and often too embarrassed or afraid to seek help.

Statistics Canada recently revealed that family violence in Canada reached record highs in 2023, with Ontario experiencing a significant share of these troubling trends. According to the report, the number of victims of family violence has risen sharply across all demographics. This increase underscores the urgency of addressing this epidemic, but it also highlights the barriers that allow it to continue unchecked.

In 2023, police in Ontario reported an unprecedented 139,020 cases of family violence, marking a 3% increase from the previous year. The report also noted that the rates of violence against seniors—individuals 65 years and older—had reached their highest levels on record. Over 7,000 older adults reported being victims of family violence, with women making up the majority of those affected.

The stark reality is that violence within families is not a rare occurrence. It is a systemic problem that affects a large portion of the population, cutting across all ages, genders, and geographic locations. What is even more troubling, however, is that the true scope of family violence is likely far worse than these statistics suggest.

The difficulty of accurately capturing the extent of family violence lies in the nature of its occurrence. It is hidden behind closed doors, often kept secret due to feelings of shame, fear, or dependency. Victims, particularly women and seniors, may not even recognize that they are being abused, especially when it comes from a loved one.

For children, the witnessing of violence—whether physical, emotional, or sexual—can be devastating, shaping their development and well-being for years. Children may be conditioned to tolerate abuse and believe it is not necessary to break free from abusive relationships if it occurs in a family setting. Similarly, seniors may be too isolated or afraid to speak out due to their age or physical limitations.

The embarrassment or fear of disclosing abuse is compounded by cultural and societal pressures. Many spouses are hesitant to talk about private issues, especially those that involve violence or dysfunction. This silence allows the abuse to continue, often for years, without intervention. For victims, the fear of losing family members, being ostracized, or facing further violence can feel insurmountable, making it difficult to seek help. Members of certain communities are often alienated by their entire community when they report abuse.

Women and girls remain the most disproportionately affected by family violence. In 2023, more than two-thirds of victims of family violence were women and girls, with an even higher percentage of intimate partner violence victims falling into this group. Statistically, the rate of family violence for women and girls was twice as high as for men and boys. This troubling trend highlights the need for a more focused response to the unique challenges faced by female victims of family violence.

Women and girls are subjected to a cycle of violence that can be difficult to break. They may face emotional, physical, and even sexual abuse from partners or ex-partners, often in the context of long-standing relationships that may have started out healthy but deteriorated over time.

Despite the increasing rates of family violence, the response has been slow, and victims continue to face significant barriers to support. Many victims may not have the resources, knowledge, or ability to reach out for help. The services available may be underfunded, difficult to access, or not tailored to the specific needs of different age groups or types of violence.

There is an urgent need for better education and awareness about family violence, particularly in schools, healthcare settings, and senior care facilities. Professionals in these areas must be better equipped to recognize the signs of abuse and to offer appropriate support. Additionally, law enforcement must continue to improve their responses to family violence, ensuring that cases are investigated thoroughly and that victims receive the protection and care they deserve.

Communities must also work to reduce the stigma surrounding family violence. Only by fostering an environment where victims feel safe to come forward, share their experiences, and seek help can we begin to break the cycle of abuse.

Family violence is an epidemic that affects tens of thousands of Ontarians each year. While the numbers are shocking, the true extent of the problem is likely much worse due to the hidden nature of abuse and the stigma that surrounds it. To make progress in addressing this crisis, it is crucial to break the silence and give victims the support they need to escape abusive situations. By acknowledging the scope of the problem, providing better resources for victims, and fostering an environment where abuse is not tolerated, we can begin to reduce the prevalence of family violence in Ontario and create safer, healthier homes for all.

As a society, we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this epidemic any longer. Family violence may happen behind closed doors, but it must no longer remain behind the veil of silence.

Leanne Townsend, B.A., B.Ed., LLB., is a Senior Divorce Lawyer at Benmor Family Law Group, a boutique matrimonial law firm in downtown Toronto.  She has vast legal experience from her many prominent positions including over 16 years as an Assistant Crown Attorney, as the Domestic Violence Co-Lead, and as a Family law partner at a prestigious Bay Street law firm, and as the founder of Townsend Family Law before joining Benmor Family Law Group.  She is passionate about helping victims of domestic violence and is a sought-after divorce lawyer, speaker, educator and strategic advisor on marriage, divorce, family violence and high net worth clients. She can be reached at leanne@benmor.com .