Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is characterized as abuse or violence against another person in a domestic relationship. It is also called intimate partner violence. This abuse can be emotional, physical, sexual and verbal, etc.

In mid 2019, over half  (54%) of all homicides in Calgary occurred within the context of domestic violence. With the struggling economy, the domestic violence rates continue to increase. Shelters continue to be at capacity, leaving sever women and children no where to go when they are facing domestic violence.

Alberta has the third highest rate of domestic violence in Canada.  Domestic violence in Airdrie has four times the provincial average of domestic violence. Airdrie does not have a shelter dedicated to victims or domestic violence. Airdrie has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in Canada, at one point it had the highest and continues to have limited resources.  

According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation there are a few ways to help someone who is experiencing domestic violence:

1). If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or the emergency number in your area.

2).  Put her safety first: Never talk to anyone about abuse in front of their suspected abuser, unless she specifically ask you to; never give her materials/resources about domestic abuse or leave information through voice messages, text, email that might be discovered by the abuser. However, abuse thrives in secrecy, so speak up if you can do safely. 

3). If she wants to talk, listen. If she doesn’t simply tell her she does not deserve to be harmed and that you are concerned for her safety. Ask her if you can help, but don’t offer to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. 

4). If she chooses to stay in the relationship, try not to judge her. Remember, leaving an abuser can be extremely dangerous. Sometimes, the most valuable thing you can offer a woman who is being abused is respect.

5). Learn about emergency services in your community.