INtimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV), also known as spousal or domestic violence, affects millions of 
people worldwide. IPV encompasses a wide range of harmful behaviours—including physical, 
emotional, psychological, sexual and economic abuse—inflicted by a current or former intimate 
partner or spouse. The harm caused by IPV often extends beyond immediate injuries, leaving 
long-lasting scars on survivors’ mental health, sense of security and overall well-being.

Financial strain is a well-documented risk factor for IPV. The economic hardship that may
accompany a strike can exacerbate tensions and increase the risk of violence in affected 
households.

IPV is a complex issue that does not discriminate based on gender, age or background. It affects
people from all demographics. This highlights the need for a nuanced understanding that
acknowledges how systemic inequalities and intersecting identities can influence individual 
experiences of and responses to violence.

IPV extends beyond physical space. While it often occurs in the perceived privacy of the home, 
it can also manifest in public settings and, increasingly, through digital platforms. Online 
abuse—such as cyberstalking, harassment and the nonconsensual sharing of intimate images--
has become an alarming dimension of IPV. These forms of abuse blur the lines between public 
and private spheres, leaving survivors vulnerable to harm and further complicating their path to 
safety and justice.

Efforts to address IPV must recognize its complexity and intersectionality. This is crucial for 
designing effective interventions that include legal protection, access to safe housing, trauma￾informed support services, public education to challenge cultural norms that perpetuate violence 
and resources tailored to the unique needs of diverse communities. Economic pressures—such as 
those that may arise during a strike—can heighten stress within households, limit survivors’ 
financial independence and reduce their access to essential supports, making effective prevention 
and response measures even more urgent.

IPV occurs in a variety of relationship contexts and is not limited to traditional or narrowly 
defined partnerships. It can occur within marriages, common-law unions or dating relationships
and does not discriminate based on gender identity, sexual orientation or relationship structure.
Anyone can be affected. IPV can arise early in a relationship, throughout the relationship or even 
after the relationship has ended. Additionally, IPV is not contingent on partners living together or 
being sexually intimate. The risk of harm exists in a wide range of circumstances and 
relationship arrangements. This breadth demonstrates the pervasive nature of IPV and reinforces 
the need for inclusive approaches to prevent IPV and provide support for all survivors.

IPV also encompasses a wide range of harmful behaviours used to exert control and instill fear,
including coercive control (where an abuser dominates a partner’s life through manipulation and 
threats) and criminal harassment or stalking (involving obsessive, unwanted behaviours such as
monitoring or following). Emotional and psychological abuse erodes self-esteem, and financial 
abuse restricts access to money or resources, creating dependence. During periods of financial 
strain—such as during a strike—this form of abuse can intensify, leaving survivors with even 
fewer options for safety and independence. Physical abuse involves direct harm, and
reproductive coercion manipulates reproductive choices. Sexual violence, spiritual abuse and 
technology-facilitated violence (such as cyberstalking or nonconsensual image sharing) further 
highlight the multifaceted nature of IPV.

If you are experiencing IPV, support is available. Talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, 
family member or counsellor. You can also contact the police or the local victim services unit for 
shelter, legal help or emotional support.

If you witness IPV, you can help by contacting the victim and offering resources, reporting the 
incident to authorities, or seeking advice from someone you trust to provide safe and effective 
support. Together, we can work to address IPV and create safer communities.

Resources are available to support those affected by IPV.

Emergency
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Group Health Benefits
Your group health benefits, provided in your collective agreement, include psychological 
services and an employee and family assistance program (EFAP).

ASEBP
If your group health benefits provider is the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP), 
GreenShield+ provides the EFAP.
To create an account, go to https://app.greenshieldplus.ca/signin. You will need the following:
• Your ASEBP ID number. If you don’t know your number, find it at MyASEBP
(https://my.asebp.ca/login).
• Your employer’s organization code. If you don’t know the code, contact an ASEBP benefits 
specialist at 1-877-431-4786.
• Your personal e-mail address.

Calgary Public Teachers
For Calgary Public teachers, the EFAP is Telus Health (https://one.telushealth.com or 
1-833-754-3702).
Calgary Catholic Teachers
For Calgary Catholic teachers, EFAP support is provided by the employer. More information can 
be found on the district intranet (Departments > Human Resources > Employee Benefits >
Employee & Family Assistance Program) or by calling the EFAP administrator at 403-500-2774.
Fort McMurray Catholic Teachers
For Fort McMurray Catholic teachers, the EFAP is Homewood Health 
(https://homewoodpathfinder.com/employee-assistance-program/ or 1-844-959-2917).
Family Violence Info Line
310-1818 (call or text, toll free, 24/7, multilingual)
Alberta One Line for Sexual Violence
1-866-403-8000 (call or text, toll free, 9 AM–9 PM daily, multilingual)
Access to Leave
You can access paid leave provisions in your collective agreement (sick and personal leave), and
up to 10 days of unpaid, job-protected leave because of violence in the home under Alberta’s
Employment Standards Code.

WORTH SHARING
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is harm or violence caused by a former or current intimate 
partner or spouse. IPV may include various forms of control, coercion, violence or abuse. 
Economic pressures—such as those that may arise during a strike—can heighten stress in 
households and increase the risk or severity of IPV, making it even more important to seek 
support if needed. If you or someone you know is experiencing IPV, support and resources are 
available. If you have questions about the resources available through your group health benefits, 
contact your benefits provider or call Teacher Employment Services for advice at
1-800-232-7208 (Edmonton area) or 1-800-332-1280 (Calgary area).
Read the full Worth Knowing.
Questions? Contact Teacher Employment Services at 1-800-232-7208.
#WeAreATA