A group 10 Calgary-ares organizations have collaborated on a joint shelter report during Family Violence Prevention Month.
The groups, which include High River's Rowan House and other organizations in Cochrane, Banff, and Calgary have released "Catalysts for Change: Addressing Domestic Violence in Calgary and Area"
The report highlights the seevices and strategies employed by these organizations from April 2023 to March 2024.
"Alberta has made considerable progress in addressing domestic violence; however, the need continues to exist as shelters see the impact of abuse every day," said YW Calgary CEO Sue Tomney in a release.
"We need focused, collaborative, and data-driven solutions to re-envision how we address the ever-changing world of domestic violence."
In the report, 87 per cent of people surveyed felt they had positive relationships with other people in their lives after participating in the outreach, emergency shelter, second stage shelter, and court support programs.
Over 10,000 youth took part in the prevention programming from the participating groups, and the report found that 93 per cent of people surveyed said they knew more about domestic abuse and healthy relationships as a result.
Additionally, 91 per cent said they were willing to make changes in their relationships to ensure everyone was safe and healthy.
"This report comes at a time where understanding domestic violence and how it shows up in our communities is essential to prevention," said Kim Ruse, FearIsNotLove CEO in a release.
"This information provides a catalyst for women and their families to access the right supports at the right time."
The 10 companies that collaborated on the report include, Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society, Big Hill Haven, Discovery House, FearIsNotLove, Maskan Family Association, Radiance Family Society, Rowan House Society, The Brenda Strafford Foundation's Heart Home Network, YWCA Banff and YWCA Calgary.
To read the full Catalysts for Change: Addressing Domestic Violence in Calgary and Area report, click here.