Women Abuse Quiz

Guess the correct answer to the following questions based upon your perspective of this issue in Canada. The purpose of this quiz is to inform, rather than test your knowledge on the broad topic of abuse towards women.

Global estimates published by WHO indicate that about 1 in 3 (35%) of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. Evidence shows that women who have experienced these types of violence report higher rates of depression, having an abortion and acquiring HIV, compared to women who have not.

Which one of these statements are false?

Most often, rape is caused by uncontrollable sexual urges.

Alcohol is the most common weapon used by a perpetrator.

Lower levels of education is a risk factor for sexual violence.

Sexual violence can lead to fatal outcomes like homicide or suicide.

A common misconception can be that men who who sexually assault females are driven by sexual impulses or repression, and while this is possible, it is mostly false. The motivation is mainly caused by a desire for power and control, especially in situations where the victim is their spouse or an acquaintance.

A large majority of sexual offences against children (between 70% and 80%) are also premeditated.

It is estimated that less than 1% of sexual assaults experienced by women lead to an offender being convicted. The estimate is based on a 2012 analysis of self-reported sexual assault data and court statistics. Less than 10% of victims report the assault and the majority of offenders walk free.

Collectively, domestic violence costs Canadians roughly $7.4 billion a year. According to a report from the Department of Justice, that’s the price we collectively spend on everything from police to emergency room visits to funerals. The highest price, is paid by the victims in legal costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of life. The people close to the victims; their children, friends, families, and employers suffer too.

Across Canada, over 3,000 women along with their dependent 2,900 children are living in an emergency shelter to escape abuse.

Many studies have shown that childhood sexual abuse can have a wide range of consequences that carry into adulthood. However, protective factors and parental support can reduce the risk of them developing symptoms. Advocacy and counselling interventions has also been shown to effectively help victims.