How we help
How can you help me?
Do I have to pay for any programs?
Are the services confidential?
How do I know what program is right for me?
Do I need to leave to get help?
My abuser doesn't hit me. Am I still eligible for help?
Are my children ok? My partner just hurts me, not them.
I have a safe place to stay; can I still get help?
Do you help teens?
Do you help abused men?
My partner says he wants to change. Can you help him?
What is abuse?
What are some examples of abuse?
He doesn't hit me but he is abusive. Can I still get help?
Isn't hitting the worst type of abuse?
How can you help me?
We have many ways to serve you. Our Shelter is only one of our many programs.
Do I have to pay for any programs?
No. All programs, including the Shelter, are free.
Are the services confidential?
Our services are confidential except when a life is in danger, there is a legal warrant or subpoena or a child is at risk of being abused.
How do I know what program is right for me?
Call our Family Violence Helpline to speak to a counsellor about what program would best suit your needs. You can also browse the Programs section to learn about what programs would be best for you.
Do I need to leave to get help?
We can help you if you choose to stay. Your life is your choice; we won't judge your decision.
My abuser doesn't hit me. Am I still eligible for help?
You don't have to be hit to be hurt. All forms of abuse are potentially harmful. We will help you if you are experiencing any type of abuse. Learn more about types of abuse here.
Are my children ok? My partner just hurts me, not them.
Children are impacted by abuse in a variety of ways. There are many ways you can (and likely already are) supporting your children to feel safe.
I have a safe place to stay; can I still get help?
Yes. A counsellor may be able to meet you in the community. She will give you the same help as if you were in the Shelter but without staying at the Shelter.
Do you help teens?
We help children 0-18 in all our programs. We offer counselling to all teens in our shelter and community programs. Also, our Healthy Relationships program runs in nearly 20 high schools in Calgary. Facilitators work with youth on issues of dating and family violence.
Do you help abused men?
Men who are experiencing abuse can call our Family Violence Helpline to speak to a counsellor 24 hours a day and inquire about ways we can support him.
My partner says he wants to change. Can you help him?
Yes. Our Men's Counselling Service helps men who want to change their abusive behaviour towards those they love.
What is abuse?
Abuse is when one person tries to control or harm another with words or actions.
What are some examples of abuse?
Abuse may include yelling, put-downs, taking or controlling money, pressuring into sex, forbidding religious practices, threats to you or someone you love, isolation from friends and family, following, constant phone calls, jealous behaviour and any action used to control another person. See Understanding Abuse for more information.
He doesn't hit me but he is abusive. Can I still get help?
We help anyone hurt by any type of family violence.
Isn't hitting the worst type of abuse?
Abuse is more than hitting, slapping or pushing. Often the most dangerous and controlling abusive behaviours such as stalking and verbal threats to a person's life are non-physical.
