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The following data comes from Statics Canada, released October 24, 2024 

Canada has witnessed a troubling surge in family and intimate partner violence (IPV), underscoring the urgent need for organizations like Bravestone to continue our vital work in supporting survivors and fostering safer communities. In 2023, police reported 139,020 victims of family violence and 123,319 victims of IPV aged 12 and older across the country. These statistics represent not just numbers, but individuals and families in crisis. The rising trends in these forms of violence underscore the exigency for comprehensive support systems that help rebuild lives and families. As an organization committed to supporting survivors, Bravestone’s role has never been more crucial. 

Family Violence: A Growing Concern

Family violence encompasses various forms of abuse within familial relationships, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. In 2023, the rate of police-reported family violence in Canada was 350 victims per 100,000 population, marking a 17% increase over the past five years. This upward trend is particularly alarming here in Manitoba, where the rate stood at 588 victims per 100,000 population, the second-highest in the country.

Women and girls are disproportionately affected, comprising 68% of family violence victims. Children and youth under 18 years old accounted for 26,777 victims, with more than three in five being girls. Most often, these cases involve violence perpetrated by a parent, highlighting the critical need for targeted interventions and support systems for young individuals.

Intimate Partner Violence: A Persistent Threat

Intimate partner violence refers to abusive behaviors by a current or former spouse, common-law partner, or dating partner. In 2023, Canada saw 123,319 victims of IPV aged 12 and older, equating to a rate of 354 victims per 100,000 population. Over the past five years, IPV incidents have risen by 13%, reflecting a persistent and escalating issue.

Women and girls remain the primary victims, representing 78% of IPV cases. However, it’s noteworthy that the rate of IPV among men and boys has also increased, with a 20% rise observed since 2018. This uptick may be attributed to growing awareness and reduced stigma, encouraging more men to report such incidents.

In Manitoba, the IPV rate stood at 269 victims per 100,000 population, with remote and rural communities showing marked vulnerability to this form of violence and the necessity for specialized services to support survivors.

The Importance of Bravestone’s Work

Behind each of these troubling statistics is a deeply human story—of pain, yes, but also of resilience and possibility. When one individual finds safety, healing, and empowerment, the impact extends far beyond their own life. At Bravestone, we witness this every day: a mother learning to trust again, a child rediscovering joy, a survivor finding their voice. These are not isolated moments of recovery—they are the quiet beginnings of broader change. 

Meaningful transformation often starts with a single act of courage: reaching out, accepting support, or believing that life can be different. When someone receives trauma-informed counselling, develops healthier relationships, or begins to heal from abuse, they not only reclaim their own future but often shift the course for their children and influence their wider community. 

Even in the face of what can feel like an overwhelming cycle of violence, these individual breakthroughs serve as powerful catalysts. They lay the foundation for lasting change—change that grows outward, influencing systems, communities, and culture. 

At Bravestone, we meet each survivor where they are, walking alongside them at their own pace. While the rising rates of family and intimate partner violence are deeply concerning, they also reveal a growing awareness—a willingness to speak out, seek help, and engage in the hard work of healing and prevention. 

Hope is not passive. It is built through action, connection, and compassion. Every time someone chooses a different path, that choice contributes to a future rooted in safety, dignity, and justice. 

As the need for services continues to grow, Bravestone’s role is more vital than ever. We walk alongside women as they rediscover their strength, offering a safe home, trauma-informed counselling, and connection with others who understand. Through this support, women are empowered to believe in themselves, to reclaim their lives, and to move forward with confidence toward a future free from violence. 

In the face of rising need, our commitment remains unwavering. With continued support, we can foster not only individual healing, but also meaningful, lasting societal change. 

– By Shay Funk

If you’d like to support the efforts of Bravestone Centre, please consider donating through CanadaHelps. You can view other ways to help, as well as find our charitable registration and information on our Support Page. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence inside the home, please consider reaching out to the following resources. Remember, you are not alone.

Manitoba Domestic Violence Information/Crisis Line: 1-877-977-0007
Kids Help Line: 1-800-668-6868 (or text CONNECT to 686868)
Suicide Crisis Helpline: #988
Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line: 1-877-435-7170
Manitoba Farm, Rural, & Northern Support Services: 1-866-367-3276