The MMFC is a member of the Alliance of Canadian Research Centres on Gender-Based Violence, which includes the following research centres:
The creation of the MMFC began in 1985 with the establishment of the Fergusson Foundation, a charitable organization.
Members of the foundation worked to raised funds towards protective services for survivors of family violence. This made clear the need for a preventative approach to family violence.
The idea for a research centre dedicated to collaborative action-oriented research of family violence and violence against women and children emerged out of this necessity.
The MMFC was established within the Faculty of Arts in 1993, as a collaboration of efforts between the University of New Brunswick and the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation.
The Honourable Muriel McQueen Fergusson, P.C., O.C., Q.C. spent her life setting the standard for New Brunswick women and women everywhere.
Born in 1899 in Shediac, New Brunswick, she became a lawyer long before women were accepted in the profession. When her husband became too ill to continue his law practice, Muriel took up the counselling of his clients.
Her advice was so sound that some of the clients believed Muriel was simply passing on the information provided by her husband. A tireless activist for the rights of women and the poor, Muriel made history when she became the first woman Senator from the Atlantic region and the first female Speaker of the Senate.
Refers to a group of individuals who are related by affection, kinship and/or dependency and/or trust.
Family violence is defined to encompass the abuse of children, youths, elderly persons, persons with a disability or a partner in a family grouping defined above.
It can take the form of intimidation, deprivation and/or financial exploitation as well as emotional, spiritual and sexual abuse and physical assault.
Intimate Partner violence is behaviour from a partner or ex-partner that causes physical, sexual and psychological harm.
Behaviour might include physical aggression, coercion and psychological abuse.
Incidents of IPV might occur as frequent or isolated events, yet they typically include patterns of controlling behaviours.
Gender-based violence occurs when someone is harmed or controlled because of their gender or gender identity.
It includes physical, emotional, sexual, or economic abuse and often reflects unequal power dynamics in society.
Involves the use of force that causes pain, injury, or fear.
Examples include hitting, pushing, choking or destroying property.
This form of abuse aims to control, humiliate, or isolate a person.
Examples: constant criticism, threats, gaslighting or withholding affection.
Any sexual act or behaviour done without consent is sexual violence. It can happen in any relationship, including marriages and families.
When one partner controls access to money, limits resources, or sabotages employment.
Examples: taking someone’s income, forcing financial dependence.
Neglect happens when basic needs for care, safety or support are denied, especially for children, elders or dependents.
Coercion is a form of violence where one person uses threats, intimidation, or manipulation to control another’s actions or decisions.
It can include forcing someone to do things against their will, restricting their freedom, or using guilt and fear to maintain power.
Spiritual abuse happens when someone uses religion or spiritual beliefs to manipulate, control or harm another person.
It can involve shaming, coercion, or restricting someone’s spiritual choices, undermining their sense of faith and autonomy.
