Family Violence Prevention
PROTECTING
FAMILIES
together, everyone WINS
Everyone deserves to feel safe respected and supported
November is Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta. It is a time to raise awareness, recognize the signs of abuse and connect people with support.
At WINS, we help women and their families access practical resources and community connections. This November, we invite you to learn more, show your support and help build a safer Calgary.
Need support?
Call or text Alberta’s Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818, available 24/7.
In immediate danger, call 911.
FearIsNotLove — Connect Domestic Violence and Abuse Helpline.
Call 403-234-7233 (SAFE), available 24/7, for counselling, safety planning, information and referrals.
Family violence is not always physical
Abuse can include threats, humiliation, isolation, controlling someone’s money or monitoring their phone and online activity. It can happen within families and intimate relationships.
Recognizing these behaviours can help us better understand when someone may need support. Everyone deserves relationships built on respect, consent and safety.
Understanding the impact
Behind every number is a person, a family and a need for support.
45%
13%
7%
Intimate partner violence
Non-physical abuse
Increase in recorded victims
Of women in Canada who had ever been in an intimate partner relationship reported experiencing intimate partner violence since age 15, according to the 2025 survey.
Of women in Canada with contact with a current or former intimate partner in the previous year reported emotional, psychological or financial abuse during that year, according to the 2025 survey.
Calgary Police Service recorded a 7% increase in domestic violence victims in 2025 compared with 2024.
78%
Women and violence
55%
Financial abuse
86%
Housing
In 2024, women and girls represented 78% of police-reported intimate partner violence victims across Canada.
Statistics Canada reported that 55% of women staying in shelters because of abuse had experienced financial abuse.
86% of Canadian residential facilities supporting victims of abuse identified the lack of affordable long-term housing as a major challenge for residents.
Sources: Statistics Canada, 2025 Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces, published March 2026; Calgary Police Service, Annual Statistical Crime Report 2025. National figures are self-reported survey estimates; the Calgary figure reflects police records. The survey’s Women+ category includes some non-binary respondents and respondents who did not state their gender.
Safety is more than leaving a violent situation. It is also having the resources, opportunities and community support to rebuild a life with dignity and choice.
Understanding the impact
Behind every number is a person, a family and a need for support.
Prevention is a shared responsibility
Addressing family violence requires coordinated efforts across organizations, communities, and systems, including addressing the conditions that can increase vulnerability.
Economic security matters
Access to housing, employment, financial resources, and community support can help women have more options when seeking safety and rebuilding their lives.
WINS has a role in this collective response
Through House to Home, we partner with organizations supporting women and families fleeing violence, helping them access essential household items as they establish their homes.
Our work goes beyond meeting immediate needs
Through employment services, community connections, and programming, we help women build skills, access opportunities, strengthen social connections, and pursue greater economic stability.
We recognize the contributions women make to our communities.
Women are caregivers, workers, community leaders, and contributors to our economy. Supporting their safety and economic well-being benefits families and the wider community.
Wear purple and show your support
Wear a purple ribbon this November to show your support for healthy relationships and help raise awareness about family violence. The purple ribbon signifies hope and change during Family Violence Prevention Month. Wear this purple ribbon to declare your commitment to ending family violence and fostering healthier relationships. It's a time for unity, reflection, and a pledge to create a violence-free future in Calgary.
Ask us for a purple ribbon at the register when you visit a WINS Thrift Store. You can also support WINS programs and services through a donation.
How WINS supports individuals and families
At WINS, our unwavering commitment revolves around creating a safer, more secure community free from the grasp of family violence. We tirelessly work to prevent abuse and provide support to families in Calgary.
Below are different ways WINS can help:
Understanding healthy relationships
Our Community Support team helps participants recognize supportive relationships and identify sources of support in their lives.
Information and resources
Our Community Resource Hubs offer handouts and information about family violence that visitors can take home or photograph for reference.
Support through House to Home
For those escaping family violence, our House to Home services provide support in restarting their lives.
Guidance from our team
Our Community Support staff are well-informed about family violence resources, ensuring people can easily access help.
Goal Management
We work with family violence survivors to build their confidence, access mental health resources, search for housing, and create a plan to access government support.
Collaboration with Calgary Agencies
We partner with various city agencies to facilitate participant access to support when experiencing family violence.
Counselling through Radiance
Through our partnership with Radiance, counselling is available at our Hubs, helping participants connect with family violence support and resources.
Explore support available through WINS.
A Community of Support
Support is available
Whether you’re experiencing abuse or are worried about someone you know, you can reach out for support.
In immediate danger?
Contact emergency services.
Family Violence
Info Line
Information, support and referrals for anyone affected by family violence.
Call or text · Available 24/7
FearIsNotLove
Connect Domestic Violence and Abuse Helpline
SAFE · Available 24/7
Counselling, safety planning, information and referrals.
Sexual violence support
CCASA · Calgary
Free, confidential support and information for anyone affected by sexual violence.
Call 403-237-5888
Alberta’s ONE LiNE
Emotional support, information and referrals for anyone impacted by sexual violence.
Call or text 1-866-403-8000
Children and youth
Kids Help Phone
Free, confidential telephone counselling for children, teens and young adults.|
Call 1-800-668-6868
Text 6686868
Available 24/7
Alberta Child Intervention
Report concerns about a child’s safety, abuse or neglect.
Call 1-800-638-0715
Available 24/7
Reporting information
Shelter, financial and community support
Emergency financial assistance
Contact Alberta’s Income Support Contact Centre. Eligibility requirements apply.
Call 1-866-644-5135
Available 24/7
Support for immigrant women and families
CIWA · Gender Based Violence Prevention Program
Culturally sensitive counselling and case management for immigrant women and their families.
Call 403-263-4414
Older adults experiencing abuse
Unison’s Elder Abuse Resource Line
Support, resources and information about shelter options for older adults experiencing abuse.
Call 403-705-3250
Available 24/7
Legal protection
Legal Aid AlbertaEmergency Protection Order Program
Information and assistance with Emergency Protection Orders in Calgary.
403-297-5260
Information and awareness
Learn about requesting information on a partner’s history of domestic violence.
Learn to recognize the signal and respond supportively.
Other Resources
-
Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse support and information line: 403-237-5888
-
Calgary Distress Centre 24-hour Crisis line: 403-266-4357 (HELP)
-
Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter 24-hour Help Line: 403-234-7233 (SAFE)
-
Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-387-5437 (KIDS)
-
Family Violence Info Line: 310-1818 is available toll-free to Albertans 24/7 in over 170 languages
-
Alberta Works Support for people fleeing abuse 24-hour hotline: 1-866-644-5135
-
Family Violence Info Line chat is available 24/7 daily in English
-
Emergency Shelters throughout the province provide safe locations to stay for people fleeing violent or abusive situations.