News ACWS Responds to the Conclusion of Alberta’s Family Violence Death Review Committee ACWS Responds to the Conclusion of Alberta’s Family Violence Death Review Committee FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ACWS Responds to the Conclusion of Alberta’s Family Violence Death Review Committee ACWS calls for a renewed, effective review mechanism or reinvestment in prevention, intervention, and survivor supports. February 9, 2026 – Edmonton, AB – The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS) is saddened to learn of the conclusion of the Family Violence Death Review Committee, which wrapped up its work at the end of 2025 after years of contributing to Alberta’s understanding of domestic and family violence-related deaths. ACWS hopes that the conclusion of the Family Violence Death Review Committee will result in one of two outcomes: either the establishment of a renewed and effective review mechanism with the authority to make recommendations to the Ministry, or the meaningful reinvestment of the funding previously allocated to the Committee into frontline and prevention services. This includes women’s shelters, family violence prevention and intervention programs, sexual assault centres, child advocacy centres, and other essential community-based supports. ACWS also calls for the timely public release of the Committee’s most recent annual report to ensure the learning from this work is not lost. “The Committee did meaningful work over many years, particularly in identifying patterns and systemic issues that contribute to the most serious and tragic outcomes,” said Cat Champagne, executive director of the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters. “That learning has value, and it should continue to inform how Alberta approaches prevention and intervention.” Over its lifespan, the Committee generated important insights into systemic risk factors, recurring service gaps, and opportunities for prevention. This included recent work examining human trafficking cases and the disproportionate impacts of violence on Indigenous women, who represent a significant portion of the survivors served by ACWS member shelters. Data from ACWS’s 2023–2024 Report on Domestic Violence Shelter Impact in Alberta shows that pressures on the family violence system remain significant. Last year alone, ACWS member shelters were unable to shelter 31,248 people who needed safety, which is the highest number ever recorded, with children accounting for 40% of those turned away. For every person admitted to shelter, four more could not be accommodated. “These numbers remind us that violence prevention and intervention must remain a priority,” said Champagne. “Whether through formal review mechanisms or other collaborative approaches, learning from loss and strengthening frontline responses are essential.” ACWS understands that committees evolve and that governments regularly assess how best to allocate limited resources. What remains essential is ensuring that learning, prevention, and system improvement continue in ways that meaningfully support survivors and frontline services. “Our hope is that the resources previously dedicated to the Committee will continue to serve the same ultimate purpose: preventing harm and saving lives,” said Champagne. “ACWS remains committed to working collaboratively across the sector to strengthen prevention, intervention, and support for survivors.” -30- For media inquires contact: Jenny Adams The Adams Agency jenny@theadamsagency.ca 780-707-9101
