Domestic violence is on the rise on Canada, and Calgary is no exception.
Statistics provided by the Calgary Police Service for domestic violence incidents within the city showed that from January to September, there has been a 13.6 per cent increase over the five year average, with 3,592 during that period.
Domestic conflict incidents reported to the police have also been on the rise, with 14,616 this year so far.
CPS said that a number of these increasing violent incidents are occurring after the end of a relationship.
“Exiting an abusive relationship can be incredibly difficult – and as the statistics show, it can also be incredibly dangerous,” said Staff Sargent Glenn Andruschuk with the Calgary Police Service Domestic Conflict Unit, in a prepared media release.
“We are encouraging victims of domestic violence to reach out if they need help.”
The service said that their Domestic Conflict Unit will work proactively with social service agencies such as Fear is Not Love and Men&, alongside investigating domestic violence as well as conducting risk assessments and monitoring high-risk offenders.
CPS also has a one-of-a-kind team in Canada in the Domestic Review and Assignment Team to read all domestic conflict and violence files, and identifies them for high-risk.
The Government of Alberta introduced Bill 4 on Oct. 30, which as part of the provisions to introduce an Alberta Sheriffs Police Service also introduced changes to strengthen the Disclosure to Protect Against Domestic Violence (Clare’s Law) Act.
Those changes, if passed, would allow for the the provincial Integrated Threat and Risk Assessment Centre (ITRAC) to have the legal authority to disclose information to external agencies, and to establish a stronger legal foundation for ITRAC.
“Every Albertan deserves a life free from the threat of domestic violence. I commend Alberta’s government for strengthening Clare’s Law to remove bureaucratic obstacles and clarify ITRAC’s access to vital police information,” said Kim Ruse, CEO of FearIsNotLove Calgary, in a prepared media release.
Calgarians who are in immediate threat of danger can contact the Calgary Police Service at 911, or if the domestic situation is a non-emergency 403-266-1234.
Individuals can also reach the 24/7 Alberta Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818.
Support agencies can be reached via the province’s community and social support number at 211.
