Women’s Safety in Canada: Understanding Safety Issues, Legal Rights, and Seeking Assistance for Ensuring Safety

Ensuring the safety of women and protecting their legal rights is of utmost importance in today’s world. Women face several safety challenges, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, stalking, and other forms of abuse. However, many women face barriers to accessing justice and support.

This article will consider the important issue of women’s safety and legal rights, focusing on Ontario, Canada. Additionally, we will explore the role of private investigators in helping women protect their rights to legal protection in Ontario.

Reports on Women’s Safety Issues Across Canada

When we delve into the statistics, it becomes clear that violence against women is a pressing issue in Canada. Shocking figures reveal that a significant number of women experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse at some point in their lives. These acts of violence can occur in various settings, including homes, workplaces, public spaces, and even on the internet. Here are some statistics about Canadian women’s safety issues;

• The Canadian Center for Justice and Community Safety Statistics reported that there were 358,244 victims of police-reported violence in the country in 2019. Worryingly, 30%, a total of 107,810 people, individuals were subjected to domestic abuse by an intimate partner. The majority of perpetrators of violence against women are their current partners, with 36% being a current boyfriend or girlfriend and 29% being a spouse. 

Ex-partners also contribute to the alarming statistics, with 21% of abusers being ex-girlfriends or ex-boyfriends and 12% being ex-spouses. Although 53% of victims of violence were men, the majority of victims of domestic abuse were women, accounting for 79% of all victims. The incidence of intimate partner violence (IPV) is 3.5 times higher among women than men, at 536 women and 149 men per 100,000 population. However, the majority (80%) of spousal abuse victims never reported their experiences to the police.

• Fears of domestic violence increased in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a 2020 web survey by the Government of Canada, 8% of participants expressed extreme concern about violence in their homes. However, the impact of the pandemic on IPV was not as significant as expected, as police-reported family violence only saw a modest increase of 1.5 percent over the previous year. 
• Domestic violence can also spill over into the workplace, threatening victims’ economic independence. Toronto City Government data shows that domestic violence impacts workplaces, with Canadian employers losing $77.9 million annually due to the direct and indirect effects of IPV. The report shows that 33% of Canadian workers, especially in Toronto, have experienced domestic violence. Additionally, 35% of workers have at least one co-worker who is experiencing or has experienced abuse, and 12% believe that one of their co-workers is engaging in partner abuse.

Disturbingly, 54% of victims reported that the abuse continued while they were at work, negatively impacting their performance. Additionally, 38% said it affected their ability to go to work. 

• Domestic violence against women is a global problem with serious consequences for their well-being. A study conducted by McGill University in partnership with the World Health Organization analyzed 366 studies involving more than 2 million women aged 15 and older from 161 countries who had experienced intimate partner violence. 
• The study, published in The Lancet, revealed that there is a high prevalence of domestic violence against women worldwide, which encompasses physical, emotional, and sexual violence by boyfriends, spouses, and other partners. The study found that from 2000 to 2018, one in seven women experienced domestic violence. Worryingly, young women between the ages of 15 and 19 had the highest levels of violence, with around 24% experiencing abuse in their lifetime. 

These statistics are already alarming, but the true scale of domestic abuse is even higher. The researchers highlighted that the study relied on self-reported experiences, and because of the stigma around the issue, many women were reluctant to report their experiences.

Women’s Legal Safety Rights in Ontario

In Ontario, women have several legal rights aimed at protecting their safety and well-being. Here is a list of some of the important legal rights women have in Ontario.

Right to freedom from violence: Women have the right to live free from violence, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Ontario laws, such as Criminal Code CINADA criminalizes acts of torture and provides legal remedies for survivors.

Right to Protection from Domestic Violence: Women have the right to protection from domestic violence. The Domestic Violence Protection Act enables women to obtain restraining orders and emergency protection orders against abusive partners.

Right to report and legal action: Women have the right to report incidents of violence and to take legal action against the perpetrators. They can file police reports, press charges, and participate in legal proceedings related to their cases.

Right to privacy and confidentiality: Women have the right to privacy and confidentiality when reporting incidents of violence. Their personal information must be protected, and steps must be taken to ensure their safety during the legal process.

Right to Access Support Services: Women have the right to access support services, including shelters, counseling, and advocacy programs. The Ontario government funds a network of shelters and support organizations that provide support to women experiencing violence.

Right to Employment Protection: Women have the right to a safe work environment free from harassment and discrimination. The Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits harassment in the workplace and provides remedies for those who experience it.

Right to Equal Treatment: Women have the right to equal treatment under the law. Ontario’s human rights legislation protects women from discrimination based on sex, ensuring equal access to opportunities and services.

Right to safe housing: Women have the right to safe and affordable housing. Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act prohibits landlords from evicting or discriminating against tenants based on their gender or experiences of violence.

Right to Protection of Children: Women have the right to protection of themselves and their children in cases of domestic violence. Ontario’s child protection laws prioritize the safety and well-being of children, providing measures to ensure their protection.

Right to Consent: Women have the right to consent or withhold consent in all aspects of their lives, including sex. Ontario law states that non-consensual sexual activity is a criminal offense.

These are some of the legal protections provided to women in Ontario. It is important for women to be aware of their rights and to seek help and legal recourse in cases of violence or harassment.

It’s Time to Hire a PIPRO Private Investigator to Prtect Your Legal Rights

If you find yourself unable to protect your safety rights, seeking the assistance of a private investigator can be a viable option. PIPRO Private Investigators, a renowned PI company based in Ontario, Canada, can play an important role in helping women protect their legal protection rights. 

With its expertise and resources, PIPRO private investigators in Toronto can provide valuable support in a variety of ways:

• Conducting Background Checks on Potential Partners or Employees: PIPRO conduct thorough background checks on individuals to uncover any red flags or related behavior. This can help women make informed decisions about entering into relationships or hiring employees, ensuring your safety and reducing the risk of potential harm.
• Investigation of Cases of Stalking or Harassment: PIPRO’s expert investigators collect and monitor evidence to identify and collect evidence against perpetrators of stalking or harassment. By uncovering critical information, PIPRO can help you build a strong case against harassers, ensuring that legal action can be taken to protect your rights and safety.
• Gathering Evidence for Legal Proceedings: In cases of domestic violence, abuse, or other forms of harassment, PIPRO gather substantial evidence that may be used in legal proceedings. Through thorough investigations and meticulous documentation, PIPRO helps strengthen women’s cases, increasing their chances of obtaining justice and protection.
• Ensuring the Safety and Welfare of Women During Investigation: PIPRO prioritizes the safety and welfare of its clients. Their experienced investigators conduct the investigation carefully, ensuring that the women feel safe throughout the process. PIPRO’s professionalism and sensitivity help create a safe environment for women to share their experiences and seek justice.

By leveraging the expertise of PIPRO private investigators, you can become powerful allies in pursuing legal protection rights. By conducting background checks, investigating harassment cases, gathering evidence, and prioritizing safety, PIPRO can provide the support women need to protect their rights and gain peace of mind.

If you need immediate help, contact PIPro Private Investigators at 416-912-7755 or via email at info@pipro.ca.