The Canada Safety Council is urging the public to be vigilant allies in efforts to put a stop to domestic violence.
This is National Community Safety and Crime Prevention month and officials are urging folks to be on the lookout for possible violence.
The Council says people should take time to learn more about the signs of physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
The normal signs include bruises, cuts and scrapes but abuse victims will also show signs of changing behaviour, anxiety, low self-esteem as well as a heightened dependency on the abuser.
The Council is also out with tips for victims including open communication with someone you trust, reporting violent acts to police and refrain from believing that you are at fault.
The organization is also encouraging anyone who believes they are starting a pattern of abusive behaviour to seek counselling.
Police-reported data shows seven out of ten victims of family-related violence in 2013 were female.
