Family Violence Prevention Month
Every Family Deserves
SAFETY
Did You Know?
Over 4,000 Domestic Violence Incidents Annually*
In 2024, the Calgary Police Service responded to 4,351 domestic violence incidents, marking a slight increase from 2023
80% of Abuse Goes Unreported**
Most victims never call the police—an estimated 80% of domestic violence cases remain hidden, leaving many people in danger
18,687 Domestic Conflict Calls Show Ongoing Danger*
Even as official reports rise slowly, the high number of domestic conflict calls signals ongoing tension and risk within Calgary homes.
Domestic Violence Can Kill
Of the 18 homicides in Calgary in 2024, 5 were domestic-related, highlighting how deadly abuse can become.*
Community Alarmed by Rising Violence
59% of Calgarians report being worried about domestic violence in the city, reflecting widespread concern about safety at home.***
Clare’s Law Applications increase by 76%*
More people are taking steps to protect themselves and others, applications to check a partner’s history of violence increased by 76% in February 2025, showing growing awareness and courage to seek safety.
Women and Children Are the Main Targets
Women represented 68 % of police-reported family violence victims and ≈78 % of intimate-partner-violence victims in Canada in 2023, while children (0–17) accounted for over 25,900 victims in 2024, about 60 % of whom were girls, highlighting how family violence disproportionately affects women and girls.****
Abuse Is Shockingly Common
44% of women and girls who had ever been in an intimate partner relationship — or about 6.2 million women aged 15 and over — reported experiencing some kind of psychological, physical, or sexual abuse in the context of an intimate relationship in their lifetime (since the age of 15).**
Sources
*Calgary Police Commission, Bureau of Investigative Support Monthly Crime Update – January 2025. PDF
** Government of Canada, Intimate Partner Violence. https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/gender‑based‑violence/intimate‑partner‑violence.html
*** Calgary Foundation, Quality of Life Report 2025 (PDF). https://calgaryfoundation.org/wp‑content/uploads/2025/10/Calgary‑Foundation‑Quality‑of‑Life‑Report‑2025.pdf
****Statistics Canada, Trends in police‑reported family violence and intimate partner violence in Canada, 2023. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/241024/dq241024b-eng.htm
How WINS Helps
Impact
In 2024, Women In Need Society (WINS) supported thousands of Calgary women and families affected by domestic and family violence through access to essential goods, emotional support, and community programs that help them rebuild their lives safely and with dignity.
Together for Safety
Family violence affects thousands of Calgarians every year. At WINS, we actively fight against abuse by providing support, resources, and guidance to those affected. We also work closely with community partners — including police, social services, and advocacy groups — to ensure survivors have comprehensive protection and care.
The Growing Need
In 2025, the demand for WINS’ support programs and basic needs assistance has already surpassed last year’s numbers. As more families reach out for help, community support becomes more essential than ever. Together, we can ensure that no woman or child faces violence or recovery alone.
Each year, authorities receive over 18,000 calls from Calgarians related to domestic conflict.*
November is Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta, which focuses on raising awareness and preventing family violence. The campaign emphasizes creating a safer community by promoting healthy relationships, providing resources, and offering support for those who are experiencing domestic and gender-based violence.
Our mission is to create a Calgary where every home is a place of love, safety, and support. By joining hands and fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and open communication, we can break the cycle of violence and build stronger, healthier relationships.
Here's what YOU can do today: Wear a Purple Ribbon
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.
You can also make a donation today to help us sustain our programs and services.
Complimentary purple ribbons are available in all 7 WINS' Thrift Stores from November 1-10. While quantities last.
*Calgary Police Commission, Bureau of Investigative Support Monthly Crime Update – January 2025. PDF
Women In Need Society (WINS) works tirelessly to prevent abuse and support families.
At WINS, our commitment revolves around creating a safer, more secure community, free from the grasp of family and gender-based violence. We tirelessly work to prevent abuse and provide support to families.
Below are different ways WINS can help:
Healthy Relationships Focus: WINS Community Support has a "healthy relationships" component where supportive relationships are described and explained further, participants are aided in identifying these supports in their lives.
Informative Resources: Our Community Resource Hubs are stocked with handouts and posters to raise awareness, which visitors can take or photograph for their own reference.
House to Home: For those escaping family violence, our House to Home services provide support in restarting their lives.
Knowledgeable Staff: 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.
A Community of Support
Our goal is to build a community where every home is filled with love, safety, and support. Through unity and the cultivation of a culture marked by respect, empathy, and open communication, we can put an end to the cycle of violence and nurture healthier relationships.
See below for other ways you can access help or show your support:
Calgary: 24-Hour Family Violence Helpline
Having someone there when you need it most can bring relief. The Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter's Family Violence Helpline is your 24/7 lifeline. Their Helpline Counselors are available around the clock, every day of the year. They offer advice, help you plan for safety, give you information, and connect you to resources in different languages.
Alberta: Clare's Law
The Disclosure to Protect Against Domestic Violence (Clare’s Law) Act provides individuals who feel threatened by domestic violence with a means to access information about their partners. This empowers them to make informed decisions regarding their safety. In Alberta, this version of Clare’s Law is named after a young woman who tragically lost her life to an ex-boyfriend with a history of violence against women. It stands as a tribute to her memory and a beacon of hope for those seeking protection.
Canada: Signal for Help
The "Signal for Help" is a resource developed by the Canadian Women’s Foundation to aid individuals facing gender-based violence. This discreet, one-handed gesture offers a means of silently reaching out for assistance without leaving any digital footprint. It serves as a way for someone to discreetly communicate their need for a safe check-in and support from others. Want to learn how to respond to these signs of abuse? Become a Signal Responder today.
Other Resources
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Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse support and information line: 403-237-5888
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Calgary Distress Centre 24-hour Crisis line: 403-266-4357 (HELP)
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Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter 24-hour Help Line: 403-234-7233 (SAFE)
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Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-387-5437 (KIDS)
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Family Violence Info Line: 310-1818 is available toll-free to Albertans 24/7 in over 170 languages
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Alberta's One Line for Sexual Violence: call or text 1-866-403-8000
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Alberta Works Support for people fleeing abuse 24-hour hotline: 1-866-644-5135
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Family Violence Info Line chat is available 24/7 daily in English
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Emergency Shelters throughout the province provide safe locations to stay for people fleeing violent or abusive situations.
