Breaking the Silence: How WINS Supports Families Facing Violence

Every home should be a place of love, safety and support. Yet too often, behind closed doors, people experience something far from that: the destructive pattern of family violence.

What is Family Violence?

Family violence is a pattern of behaviours used to maintain power and control over someone in an intimate or familial relationship. It can include physical and sexual violence, emotional and verbal abuse, threats and intimidation, economic control, and it can affect children, elders and people with disabilities. casfv.org+1.

It doesn’t discriminate; it affects people of any age, gender, race, sexual orientation or background. casfv.org

The Situation in Our Community

In Calgary and across Alberta, the numbers are real. For example, every year in Calgary there are about 20,000 calls related to domestic violence. WINS Calgary+1 That means many people are living with fear, trauma and uncertainty, and they need support, often urgently.

How WINS Helps

At WINS, our commitment is to create a safer, more secure community - free from the grasp of family violence. Here are some of the ways we support families:

• Healthy Relationships: Our Community Support team helps participants identify what healthy relationships look like and supports them in recognizing supportive people in their lives. Support | WINS Calgary

• Resources & Information: Our Community Resource Hubs are stocked with hand-outs, posters and materials on what family violence is, what to watch for, and what to do. Community Resource Hubs | WINS Calgary

• Restarting After Violence: For those who are escaping family violence, our “House to Home” services help them restart their lives — finding housing, accessing government support, rebuilding confidence. FVP | WINS Calgary

• One-on-one Goal Support: A tailored plan is created with you — whether it’s around safety, mental health, housing, education or career. We walk with you. Goal Support | WINS Calgary

• Collaboration: We partner with other agencies, shelters and mental health supports so that no one has to try and navigate alone. Family Violence Prevention | WINS Calgary

What You Can Do

Ending family violence is a community challenge: everyone has a part to play.

• Listen & believe: If someone you know shares their experience, believe them. Offer non-judgmental support.

• Share resources: Know the local helplines and services. For example, in Alberta there’s the 24-hour Family Violence Info Line: 310-1818 (in 170+ languages). WINS Calgary+1

• Support WINS: Donations, volunteering or spreading awareness help our work reach more people.

• Wear the purple ribbon: A small gesture, but a visible one, showing commitment to ending family violence in our communities.

Why It Matters

When family violence continues unchecked, the consequences are profound, for the person directly impacted, for children who may witness or endure trauma, and for the broader community. By intervening early, providing support, and helping rebuild lives, we help break the cycle of violence. In Alberta, for instance, the government has pledged multi-million-dollar grants to community-based prevention programs, acknowledging the critical need. centralalbertaonline.com

To anyone reading this who is experiencing violence, you are NOT alone: If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you’re seeking help or deciding, contact our Community Resource Hub (or your local service), you deserve safety, dignity and support. WINS is here for you.

Together, we can build a community where every home is safe, every relationship respectful, and every person empowered.