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  Who We Are

Who We Are

Together, ACWS and its members work to end domestic violence—in our homes and throughout our communities.

A registered charity, ACWS is the provincial network organization of domestic violence shelters in Alberta. We bring four decades of experience and knowledge to serve our 39 members operating over 50 shelters across the province for women, their children, and seniors facing domestic abuse. We support our members and work with them to end domestic violence through advocacy, collective data and research, and front-line training. With support from ACWS, Alberta shelters are helping to provide safety, support families, and improve communities.

Domestic violence remains a serious and urgent problem in Alberta. Collectively, we are challenging the harmful beliefs and actions that perpetuate domestic violence in our communities.

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Mission

To be the trusted provincial voice on family violence and gender-based violence for our membership through advocacy, collaboration, research, and capacity-building.

Vision

Together, ACWS and its members envision an Alberta where every home and community is free from violence and abuse.

Values

  • Courage: We speak up and act for change.
  • Equity: We challenge the conditions that allow violence to persist.
  • Inclusivity: We honour every person’s dignity, identity, and experience.
  • Collaboration: We are stronger when we work together.
  • Stewardship: We use our resources, relationships, and influence responsibly.

Our Strategic Plan

New Mission. Same Dedication.

We’re proud to present our Strategic Plan 2026–29, which lays out ACWS’s organizational roadmap over the next three years. It outlines goals and priorities, defines key terms, and introduces our new mission, vision, and values.

In over 40 years of uniting women’s shelters across Alberta, we’ve learned many things, but none more important than this: nothing gets done alone. Our new mission, vision, and values are built around the power of together. Alongside our members, partners, and supporters, we multiply our impact by working toward a shared purpose.

Our mission statement has changed, but our commitment to serving women and families has not. We continue to work toward an end to domestic violence in Alberta.

That’s the power of together.

Read the strategic plan here.

Our Board

A volunteer Board of Directors determines the strategic direction of ACWS.

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Our Members

ACWS works with our members in pursuit of our shared vision of a world free from violence and abuse.

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Our Staff

Our staff is made up of a team working in community development, member support, programming and training, data analysis, communications, and administration.

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ACWS Annual Reports