Alberta is grappling with a distinct rise in gender-based violence, underscoring an urgent need for enhanced support services for survivors. Recent statistics and incidents highlight a troubling trend: the frequency of domestic violence incidents is climbing, leaving many vulnerable individuals in desperate need of assistance. In response, initiatives like Shelter Movers are stepping up to bridge critical gaps in support, providing vital services to those fleeing abuse.
The Rising Tide of Intimate Partner Violence in Alberta
The statistics paint a sobering picture. Between 2018 and 2022, Alberta consistently reported higher rates of women and girls killed by violence involving a male abuser compared to the national average. Each year, Calgary alone fields approximately 20,000 calls related to intimate partner violence. Nationwide, a woman or girl is murdered every two days, often at the hands of a family member or intimate partner.
These figures reveal a stark reality: intimate partner violence remains a pervasive issue, with devastating consequences for countless individuals. The need for comprehensive support services becomes increasingly critical as the numbers continue to rise. Survivors are not just grappling with physical safety but also facing challenges related to their emotional well-being, financial stability, and ability to rebuild their lives.
Underdeveloped Housing and Overburdened Shelters
Domestic violence in Alberta has reached alarming levels, with the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS) reporting nearly 60,000 calls for help last year. This ten-year high highlights the way funding constraints have exacerbated an already complicated issue. Shelters across Alberta have not seen funding increases in nearly a decade, despite a 46% rise in calls for help since 2015. Many shelters are operating with only 75% of their necessary funding, leading to program cuts and reduced capacity. Last year, 81% of requests for shelter were unmet due to lack of space, and 8,020 children were turned away—a 48% increase from the previous year.
The housing crisis significantly compounds the challenges survivors face when considering whether or not to leave their abusive situations. With rent in Calgary skyrocketing 40% since 2021, and Edmonton seeing a 3.7% increase in just the last year, many survivors find themselves unable to leave abusive situations due to lack of affordable housing. Gaye Warthe, ACWS board president, emphasizes that the shortage of shelter space, combined with a fluctuating job market, often forces survivors to remain with their abusers.
Mislabelled Violence
Research from the University of Calgary highlights that most men charged with intimate partner violence were previously known to police, a frustrating fact that too many survivors are already intimately aware of. From the murder of a woman outside of a South Calgary school at the hands of a man she had a no-contact order against to the Edmonton house explosion from 2010 that is only now being highlighted as an example of family violence, recognizing and addressing early warning signs of violence are imperative for preventing abuse from becoming more severe. Warning signs can include many things, such as controlling behavior, frequent jealousy, or patterns of isolation, and are often highlighted by survivors before violence becomes fatal.
Community involvement is essential in recognizing and addressing intimate partner violence early. Friends, family, and colleagues also often notice early signs of abuse and can play a key role in supporting and believing survivors. By focusing on early recognition and intervention, we can all contribute to breaking the cycle of abuse and fostering healthier, safer communities.
Shelter Movers: A Lifeline for Survivors
In the face of these escalating challenges, Shelter Movers addresses the logistical hurdles that often accompany leaving an abusive situation, helping to alleviate one of the significant barriers survivors face. Shelter Movers’ services are particularly valuable in a province like Alberta, where the cost of moving and storing belongings can be prohibitive for those already grappling with the financial strain of fleeing an abusive relationship. Survivors often have to leave behind crucial personal items, including important documents, sentimental belongings, and children’s toys. Shelter Movers ensures these items are safely transported and stored until a safe new home can be found, allowing survivors to preserve their connections to the past as they build a new future.
The rise in intimate partner violence in Alberta presents a formidable challenge, but the expanding presence of Shelter Movers in Calgary and Edmonton is a positive step toward addressing the growing need for support services. To effectively address gender-based and family violence, solutions must be integrated into community life. Awareness of the issue is growing, but meaningful change requires intentional decisions to alter community culture. Local residents, with their deep understanding of cultural norms and social dynamics, are crucial for tailoring interventions that resonate with survivors and are practical for their needs. Community involvement fosters trust, encourages survivors to utilize available services, and ensures solutions remain responsive and sustainable.
As we move forward, it is crucial for everyone to recognize the importance of standing alongside survivors and contributing to the efforts aimed at eradicating gender-based violence. Volunteers from the local area play a vital role in providing immediate support and ensuring that services meet survivors where they are. By supporting organizations like Shelter Movers and advocating for continued investment in survivor support services, we can work towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to live free from violence and fear.