What to know
- The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto is highlighting the profound impact intimate partner violence has on children.
- CEO Lisa Tomlinson stresses that children are never just bystanders in these situations, even if they aren’t directly harmed, and often face lasting emotional and psychological effects.
- The agency is urging the community to take action, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and support to help children heal and break free from the cycle of violence.
November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto is speaking out about the effects this crisis has on children.
Globally, violence against women and girls continues to be one of the most prevalent violations of human rights. Around the world, one-third of women have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence (IPV), non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once, according to the United Nations (UN).
The agency also reports that a woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by their intimate partner or a member of their family. In 2024, data from the agency showed that approximately 50,000 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members worldwide, the equivalent of 137 women and girls every day.
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IN TORONTO
And IPV is a huge issue right here in Toronto. The first Annual Intimate Partner Violence Report ever released by the Toronto Police Service (TPS) was published earlier this month and shows that, on averag,e 20,645 incidents involving intimate partner and family violence were reported every year between 2014 and 2024. 20,389 instances were reported in 2024, while as of Nov. 6, there have been 16,216 reported occurrences in 2025.
Lisa Tomlinson, CEO of the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST), says this report underlines what many child welfare advocates already know: IPV is widespread, across all communities, and deeply affects children and youth, even when they are not the direct victims.
“There are children, youth and/or grandparents who are significantly affected too. They often face lasting personal, social and economic impacts, with consequences that can echo across generations,” Tomlinson told Now Toronto.
She explained that Children’s Aid receives thousands of referrals from TPS every year, and while not all referral requires a full response from the organization, they do bring awareness to the number of children living in homes impacted by IPV. The CEO says almost half of the investigations CAST takes on involve children who’ve been exposed to domestic violence.
‘CHILDREN ARE NEVER JUST BYSTANDERS’
Tomlinson firmly believes that children are never simply “bystanders” in situations of IPV, even if they are asleep or in another room.
“They know what’s going on. They feel the tension, hear the arguments and see the aftermath. This kind of exposure can shape how they feel about themselves and others for years,” she explained.
“It can make them anxious, affect their ability to trust, and impact their mental health and overall wellbeing, as well as how they form and manage their own personal relationships in their future.”
They are sometimes also directly impacted by violence in the home.
“We have situations with infants who have been physically harmed as a result of IPV,” Tomlinson shared. “We have male youth who have been forced by the abuser to participate in harm against their mother.”
When it comes to what to look for, Tomlinson says that it’s difficult to share just a few indicators that may be a sign of abuse, as abuse can take multiple forms. She encourages people to look at CAS’Ts Signs of Abuse webpage to learn more.
She also highlighted the fact that professionals who work with children and youth, and community members, all have a duty to report.
“If you have a concern about the safety and well-being of a child or youth, you should report it to your local child welfare agency. There are professionals on the other end who can listen to your report, conduct a screening and determine next steps,” she explained.
PROGRAMMING IN TORONTO
CAST offers a variety of programs to support those affected by abuse. This includes Mothers in Mind, which Tomlinson describes as a safe, supportive space for moms who’ve experienced abuse and their young children.
“We focus on play, connection and building up their strengths. Moms learn self-care and how to respond sensitively to their kids’ needs, all of which support children and youth and their relationships with their caregiver,” Tomlinson shared, adding that the program is described as a lifeline for families seeking healing and resilience.
“IPV can often disrupt the relationship between mother and child. Mothers in Mind is there to rebuild it.”
They also operate the Male Engagement Worker program, designed for fathers who have been abusive in their relationships, to help them understand the impact of their actions and strengthen relationships with their children. Meanwhile, the Caring Dads program is a 17-week group intervention combining parenting, healthy relationships and accountability.
“Overall, these programs help fathers foster change, which benefits children, youth, and families by breaking cycles of violence and fostering healthier family dynamics,” Tomlinson shared.
“If we don’t engage fathers and men who use violence, we miss an opportunity for them to be part of the solution, including being models for their children.”
You can find out more about the programming offered on the CAS Toronto website.
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