A human ecological systems perspective on family violence in Canada's North

by Reinke, Diane Carolyn

Guided by a human ecological systems perspective, this thesis sought to describe the nature and extent of family violence in Canada's Northwest Territories and to place it in its social, historical, cultural, and geographic contexts. Analysis of shelter intake data revealed that over 80 percent of shelter clients were Aboriginal, most experienced multiple forms of abuse by their partners, nearly 90 percent reported injuries, and many required medical attention or hospitalization. Many reported little support from medical staff or law enforcement officers. Lack of education, low incornes, unemployment, substance abuse, violence and substance abuse in families of origin, and physical and sexual abuse during childhood were common characteristics of abused women and their abusive partners. Placing violence in the north in its social, historical, cultural, and geographic contexts lends understanding to the problem and reveals the inappropriateness of many mainstream approaches to dealing with family violence. Initiatives consistent with a human ecological systems perspective are suggested.