News Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters Releases 2023-24 Shelter Impact Report: Strength in Support, Advocacy, and Action Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters Releases 2023-24 Shelter Impact Report: Strength in Support, Advocacy, and Action FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 7, 2025 EDMONTON, AB – The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS) has released its 2023-24 Shelter Impact Report, revealing a continued rise in demand for shelter services and the urgent need for sustained support to keep up with the growing complexity of survivors’ needs. Over the past year, Alberta’s domestic violence shelters responded to an overwhelming number of calls for help, while also providing critical services beyond emergency shelter, including housing support, mental health care, legal advocacy, and safety planning. In 2023-24, ACWS shelters supported thousands of women and children seeking safety from domestic violence, answering more than 50,000 calls for help. However, the increasing severity of cases and the persistent shortage of affordable housing continue to create barriers for survivors. Shelters across the province remain a steadfast source of safety and healing, ensuring that survivors receive the care and resources needed to rebuild their lives. “The data in this report underscores the increasing demand for shelter services, but it also highlights the extraordinary dedication of shelters and their staff,” says Cat Champagne, Executive Director of ACWS. “Shelters are more than a place to stay—they provide survivors with the tools, resources, and support networks they need to heal and regain independence. The success stories we see every day prove that when we invest in shelters, we invest in safer communities for everyone.” The report calls for continued investment in shelter services, stronger partnerships across sectors, and policy changes that address systemic barriers survivors face, especially in rural and remote areas, where intimate partner violence rates remain disproportionately high. As Alberta’s domestic violence shelters work tirelessly to meet increasing demand, the need for long-term solutions has never been clearer. The Reality of Domestic Violence in Alberta: 2023-24 by the Numbers 53,391 calls for help answered by domestic violence and elder abuse shelters. 8,136 survivors and their children were admitted to in-shelter programs. 96% of surveyed shelters provided outreach services to survivors who did not stay in shelter. 31,983 people in need were turned away due to lack of space—the highest number recorded in Alberta’s history. Children now make up 40% of those unable to access shelter—the highest rate in over a decade. Read the full report here. Media Contact: Jenny Adams – The Adams Agency 780-707-9107 jenny@theadamsagency.ca
