In 2023, Canada experienced notable increases in both family violence and intimate partner violence, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations across the country. Statistics released by the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics, show a 3% rise in family violence and a 1% increase in intimate partner violence, marking an alarming trend that has implications for social services and law enforcement.
According to the report, 139,020 victims of family violence and 123,319 victims of intimate partner violence, aged 12 years and older, were reported to the police in 2023. These figures translate to rates of 350 and 354 victims per 100,000 population, respectively. However, experts caution that these numbers only represent incidents brought to the attention of law enforcement, likely underestimating the full scope of the problem. Many victims, especially younger individuals and seniors, may not recognize their victimization or lack the means to report it, further obscuring the true extent of these issues.
Family violence encompasses a broad range of offenses, including physical and sexual assault, harassment, and threats, committed by relatives such as spouses, parents, siblings, or extended family members. Similarly, intimate partner violence refers to acts of violence perpetrated by current or former spouses, common-law partners, or dating partners. While these categories overlap, victims in both groups face unique challenges, particularly in navigating legal and social systems.
Despite the overall rise in violence, significant gender disparities persist. Women and girls remain disproportionately affected, accounting for two-thirds (68%) of family violence victims and nearly 80% of intimate partner violence victims in 2023. The rates for women and girls were considerably higher than for men and boys, with family violence rates of 473 per 100,000 population compared to 220 for men, and intimate partner violence rates of 549 compared to 155.
However, data also show a more significant increase in violence against men and boys over the past five years. Since 2018, family violence has risen by 19% for men and boys, compared to 15% for women and girls, while intimate partner violence grew by 20% for men and 12% for women. Despite this growth, the stigma associated with male victimization may contribute to underreporting, particularly in cases of intimate partner violence.
Among the most troubling findings is the increase in family violence against children and seniors, reaching the highest levels since data collection began in 2009. In 2023, 26,777 children and youth under the age of 18 were reported as victims of family violence, with 62% of these victims being girls. Most cases involved violence perpetrated by parents, highlighting the need for interventions within families to address both physical and emotional abuse.
The trend is similar for seniors, with 7,054 victims aged 65 and older reported in 2023. Women were more frequently victimized than men, often by their children or spouses. The rate of family violence against seniors increased by 42% from 2018 to 2023, with a particularly sharp rise in cases involving physical assault and threats. As the population ages, addressing violence against seniors will likely become a growing concern for policymakers.
Violence rates vary significantly by region, with northern Canada experiencing the highest rates of both family and intimate partner violence. In 2023, the North saw 1,062 victims of family violence and 1,073 victims of intimate partner violence per 100,000 population, more than double the rates in the rural south and quadruple the rates in urban Southern regions.
Among the provinces, Saskatchewan and Manitoba recorded the highest rates of violence, while Ontario had the lowest. The provincial and territorial variations point to the need for region-specific approaches to prevention and support, particularly in areas where violence rates are consistently high.
The release of these statistics highlights the complexity of addressing family and intimate partner violence in Canada. While overall rates have risen, the data underscore the gendered nature of this violence and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations such as children, youth, and seniors. The challenge for policymakers, social workers, and law enforcement agencies lies in not only supporting victims but also addressing the societal and structural factors that contribute to the persistence of these forms of violence.
As the country grapples with these rising numbers, one key message remains clear: family violence and intimate partner violence are deeply entrenched issues that require comprehensive, collaborative efforts from all sectors of society. Improved reporting mechanisms, targeted interventions, and community-based supports will be essential in curbing these troubling trends and protecting the most vulnerable among us.
The rise in family and intimate partner violence in Canada is a serious concern, particularly for women, children, and seniors. As these issues come to the forefront, efforts to address them must be multifaceted, addressing both the immediate needs of victims and the systemic issues that allow such violence to persist. The challenge is not just in recognizing the problem, but in fostering a society where violence in all its forms is no longer tolerated.