Calgary’s domestic violence numbers potentially climbing to 5-year high: police

Heading into the holiday season can be stressful, but that’s not when domestic violence spikes, according to new data.

Calgary police say the city is on pace to see more reported domestic violence incidents this year than any of the past five.

According to police, there were 3,592 incidents reported between January and September, exceeding the five-year average for that same timeframe, 3,163.

The numbers do not include children under the age of 18 or seniors over the age of 65.

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Police urge people to seek help.

“There is a path out. There is life after an abusive relationship,” said Staff Sgt. Glenn Andruschuk with the Calgary Police Service’s domestic conflict unit.

While cases rise in the city, a woman who escaped her abuser years ago hopes sharing her story saves others.

Candace said her fiancé rarely let her see family or friends and beat her, but she did not see it as abuse at the time.

“My body’s been bruised. I was essentially held captive for nine months in my home. To look back, it was very abusive, but I was in it, and I didn’t realize it,” she said.

Candace’s friends convinced her to finally speak to police after she’d been strangled by her fiancé.

She said support from officers, agencies, family and friends has provided strength to now help others as a speaker and board member for a support agency.

“I’ve been able to take some dark times in my life and turn it into some kind of, like, really bright opportunity. To anyone experiencing family violence, please reach out. You are not alone,” she said.

Agencies that support people through abuse say abusers will slowly try to convince their victims they are worthless if they leave the relationship.

“They will isolate them. They will control them. That’s part of the challenge—to provide that hope, provide that empowerment,” said Maggie MacKillop, HomeFront executive director.

There is also help for people who may become abusive.

“If men can recognize that they need help or they need a break, they’re tired and frustrated or lost their job and they need help, then that support is there so that hopefully that intervention can happen prior to violence in the home,” said Andruschuk.

Police say more incidents of domestic violence seem to be happening after a relationship ends.

They also say the number of male victims has risen each of the last three years and is on pace to exceed the five-year average.

However, males still represent less than a third of victims.

Family Violence Prevention Month

November marks Family Violence Prevention Month, and the Calgary Police Service is using it as a chance to highlight key resources available for victims.

“Exiting an abusive relationship can be incredibly difficult,” said Andruschuk.

“And as the statistics show, it can also be incredibly dangerous.”

Calgarians experiencing abuse or violence in an intimate or family relationship are encouraged to reach out for help by calling 211.

They can also reach out directly to:

• The Domestic Violence and Abuse Helpline 24/7 at 403-234-SAFE (7233);
• FearIsNotLove co-ordinates the Men& program, offering a variety of resources for men at 1-833-327-MENS (6367);
• Calgarians can also call the Government of Alberta’s Family Violence Info Line – which is available 24/7 and in more than 170 languages from anywhere in Alberta  –  at 310-1818.
• They can also use the Alberta Safety Chat Line between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. MST in English; and
• Victims of domestic violence can also contact the Calgary Police Service any time by calling the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234, or 911 if you are in immediate danger.