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EDMONTON — Alberta is marking Family Violence Prevention Month in November with renewed calls to recognize the signs of abuse, support survivors and strengthen efforts to prevent domestic and sexual violence.
The provincial government says it is investing more than $188 million this year in gender-based violence prevention, including more than $93 million specifically for family and sexual violence prevention.
The funding supports programs and services aimed at preventing violence, promoting healthy relationships and helping people affected by abuse.
“Family Violence Prevention Month is an opportunity to come together to promote healthy relationships, support survivors and take meaningful action to prevent family violence before it happens. It is also a time to recognize that each of us has a role to play in building safer communities,” said Children and Family Services Minister Searle Turton.
The province’s approach is guided by Building on Our Strengths: Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence, which focuses on prevention, addressing the underlying causes of violence and improving support for survivors.
Arts, Culture and Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir said the strategy involves collaboration between government departments and community organizations.
“Ending family violence takes all of us. Together, we can promote respectful relationships, challenge harmful attitudes and connect people with help,” Fir said.
One of the changes introduced this month is the transition of Alberta’s Family Violence Info Line into the 211 Alberta network, providing a single point of contact for people seeking assistance.
Free, confidential support is available around the clock by calling or texting 211 or accessing online chat services at ab.211.ca.
People who continue to call or text the former Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 will still be connected with support services during the transition.
Additional confidential assistance is available through the province’s online chat service at alberta.ca/SafetyChat.
Men and boys seeking assistance or feeling at risk can also access support by calling 1-833-327-MENS (6367).
Turton encouraged Albertans to pay attention to warning signs and reach out to people who may be experiencing abuse.
“Learn how to recognize the signs of family violence. Check in on a friend or family member. Listen without judgment and help connect someone to support when they are ready,” he said.
The province says everyone seeking support at a women’s shelter in Alberta is offered assistance.
In Fort McMurray, Waypoints provides local programs and services focused on preventing domestic, family and sexual violence while supporting people affected by abuse.
The organization offers education, intervention and healing services aimed at building a community free from violence.
Among its services is Unity House Emergency Women’s Shelter, which provides temporary accommodation for adult female-identifying individuals fleeing interpersonal violence, with or without children.
The shelter offers a safe place to stay for up to 21 days.
Waypoints also operates a Family Violence Crisis Line, with crisis workers available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Those workers can help people access Unity House while providing emotional support, education and referrals for individuals staying at the shelter.
Anyone facing immediate danger is advised to call 911.
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