ACWS Unveils Campaign Aimed at Survivors: “If Home Isn’t Safe Right Now, Help Is Available”

Mar 29, 2021

EDMONTON, ALBERTA – Since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold one year ago, the resounding message has been for people to “Stay home, stay safe.” However, for those living in situations of domestic violence, home may not be a safe place at all. 

In a new provincial public awareness campaign aimed at individuals experiencing domestic violence, the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS) is sharing the important message that help is available: 

“If home isn’t safe right now, help is available. Domestic violence shelters are more than a bed. They can support your safety in person or over the phone. Visit ACWS.ca or call our toll-free, 24/7 hotline to find supports near you.” 

“The data from shelters last year showed us that women are not reaching out for supports like they normally would be,” said ACWS Executive Director, Jan Reimer. “Broad orders to limit contact with others have intensified the power and control that abusers can wield over their victims, and women may have reduced opportunities to reach out for help.” 

Unemployment, one of the many effects of the pandemic, is a known accelerant of abusive behaviour. People who are living with an abuser might find themselves with limited access to friends, family, emotional support or bridges to legal resources. Evidence from previous environmental disasters and pandemics suggests that domestic violence will increase during and following this health emergency. 

We’ve heard from members that in the past year, instances of domestic violence in Alberta have not only risen in frequency, they have also risen in severity. The ACWS 2020 Shelter Snapshot showed us that Danger Assessment scores (which measure the likelihood of abuse escalating to homicide) in emergency shelters have maintained their all-time high levels, while the scores in second-stage shelters have spiked dramatically.

If home is not safe, domestic violence shelters can help you find a safe place to go, or they can offer safety planning or counselling over the phone. You don’t need to stay in a shelter to get help from one. 

Women’s shelters remain open and ready to help, throughout the pandemic, following all recommended precautions to protect clients and their staff during COVID-19. Health measures include increased disinfection, physical distancing within shelters, and alternate housing when needed.  

You can connect with a shelter near you by calling 1-866-331-3933. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. 

Background: The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters represents 41 emergency and second-stage shelters for women and children fleeing violence and abuse. The ACWS provides professional development and training, action-based research and increases public awareness of issues related to family violence for the benefit of abused women and their children. 

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Media Contact:
Olivia Street, Coordinator of Communications & Social Advocacy
(780) 566-3091   Olivia.Street@acws.ca