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Family Violence Prevention Month reminds us of something important: home is meant to be a place of safety, comfort, and belonging. But for many families in Alberta, that is not their reality right now.
The Numbers Are Rising
Family violence in Alberta continues to be a growing concern. In Calgary, identified victims were 14% above the 5-year average in 2024 — and that number does not include incidents that go unreported.
Think about that for a moment: How many people are hurting silently, unsure where to turn?
Source: Calgary Police & Fear Is Not Love
Missed Chances to Help
Research shows that 7 out of 10 individuals charged with domestic violence had previous police contact.
This tells us something critical: There were earlier opportunities to intervene.
So the question becomes: What would it take for us, as a community, to recognize the signs sooner and reach out sooner?
Source: University of Calgary (Wells et al., 2024)
Shelters Are Doing All They Can
In 2024 alone, Alberta shelters:
- Answered 53,391 calls for help
- Supported 14,000+ women and children
Yet, demand continues to exceed capacity.
Emergency shelters offer immediate safety, but healing and rebuilding require time, stability, housing, and long-term support.
That’s where Heart Home Network comes in — where stability is rebuilt, confidence is restored, and families can... begin again.
Source: ACWS Impact Report 2023–24
What Is Family Violence?
According to the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS), family violence includes any abuse or harm between family members — physical, emotional, mental, financial, or controlling behavior.
It isn’t always loud.
It isn’t always obvious.
And it isn’t always easy to name.
How Do You Know If You or Someone You Know May Be Experiencing It?
Here are some signs to watch for:
- Feeling afraid of your partner or family member
- Being isolated from friends or support
- Being controlled financially or emotionally
- Feeling like you have to “walk on eggshells”
- Being told you are worthless, stupid, or to blame
- Being physically harmed or threatened
Does any of that feel familiar — to you, or to someone you care about?
If so, you are not alone.
And you are not to blame.
Healing Is Possible — And So Is Prevention
At Heart Home Network, we provide safe housing, counselling, child support, and skill-building programs that help women and children heal and rebuild their lives — and most importantly, prevent returning to unsafe situations.
If learning about this is helpful to you — or someone you love — we invite you to explore more.
And if you have found safety, strength, or community through this work, we invite you to consider reinvesting in it — so we can continue to support others who are walking the same journey you once did.
Together, we can help families feel safe at home — again.
