Note To the Reader

This research emerged from our 2020 research project, Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities: Case Studies. We analyzed the case studies and recognized that children are often involved in family violence (FV). Little research has been done on the impact on children living in immigrant families where violence is present. This research was the natural extension of looking at FV in immigrant communities. To do this research, we recruited young adults who had experienced FV as children to participate in the study. This report is the result of the experiences they shared with us and their thoughts on what would have been helpful for them and what might be helpful for others.

For Legal Professionals

We encourage you to read this to learn from children’s voices about their experiences growing up in an adverse environment. We invite you to connect these children’s voices with your law practice and examine the trends and gaps that still exist after the March 1, 2021, historic legislative amendments to the federal and provincial family laws, which were changed with four key objectives: promote the best interests of the child, address FV, help reduce child poverty, and make Canada’s family justice system more accessible and efficient.

For Social and Community Development Workers

We encourage you to read this to learn about adverse childhood experiences through the voices of people who experienced them. We also invite you to engage with the findings to look at the kinds of interventions that were helpful and the gaps that exist in services.

For School Boards and Educators

We encourage you to link the stories you encounter in this book to the concept of student safety as highlighted in the Ontario Education Act. We invite you to consider the roles and responsibilities of school boards, including Supervisory Officers, Principals, Teachers, Educational Assistants, and Parent Councils in the protection of its students, and to identify how current practices can be modified/enhanced to ensure that the school can be a place of refuge and a hub providing supports to children experiencing family violence.

For Students

Reading the youth narratives and case studies is a great way to learn about the experiences of people you may have the opportunity to work with. It can support you in learning how to approach your work and develop future programs and interventions that address the gaps evident through our research. We know it can be challenging to read about children’s experiences of FV, so we encourage you to take your time and find discussion partners inside and outside the classroom to discuss what you are learning.

If You Have Experienced Family Violence

If you have experienced FV, reading these case studies may be difficult for you. It may remind you of your own experiences and trigger a reaction. If that happens, please make sure that you reach out to someone from your support network or access this helpful Province of Ontario resource that directs you to support if you are experiencing violence.

A Guide to the Report

This report is divided into ten sections. SECTION 1 introduces the key concepts related to the research approach and analysis. SECTION 2 provides an overview of the literature on FV and its impact, followed by a discussion of the historical evolution of divorce legislation in Ontario and Canada. SECTION 3 provides the reader with the theoretical frameworks that inform the analysis and recommendations. SECTION 4 outlines the research methodology and discusses the limitations of the research. SECTION 5 provides a brief profile of each participant, and SECTION 6 provides the reader with the major findings of the research. SECTION 7 continues the discussion of the findings but focuses on how systemic violence aggravates FV. SECTION 8 examines the research participants’ recommendations, and SECTION 9 offers our recommendations and responses to them.