Calgary Participates in Worldwide Count to Measure Family Violence
Published: Nov 24, 2009
The Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter is taking part in the November 25th Global Data Count that will, for the first time, provide a worldwide, one-day snapshot of how many women and children accessed or tried to access women’s shelters serving those affected by family violence.
“It’s important to participate in this worldwide count because violence against women in Calgary is at one of the highest rates in our country,” says Lisa Falkowsky, Executive Director of the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter. “Understanding the broader need and sharing information will ultimately allow us to better support the more than 12,000 Calgarians we help on their journeys towards lives free of family violence
“We’re grateful that more Calgarians than ever before are answering our call to stand up against family violence,” says Falkowsky. “Our organization is experiencing a groundswell of awareness and action as Calgarians are determined to make a difference in their community. However, people aren’t always sure how they can help prevent family violence and support friends, families and colleagues.”
To take a stand against family violence, Calgarians can:
- Call the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter’s 24-hour Helpline at 403 234-SAFE (7233) if they are experiencing abuse,.
- Start the conversation to create an environment where victims feel safe asking for help.
- Learn how to recognize the signs of family violence and support those experiencing abuse.
- Volunteer and Donate so we can continue to help the increasing number of women and children, youth and men seeking our support as they build lives free of abuse.
The Global Data Count is taking place on the 10th Anniversary of the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. For Alberta, November is also Family Violence Prevention Month.
The Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter has seen increased support for this crucial issue, particularly during November when the “I’m taking a stand against family violence” campaign has been running:
- 32% increase in phone calls to our 24 hr Family Violence Helpline: 403-234-SAFE(7233) so far in November 2009 compared to the first three weeks of November 2008.
- Website visits are up 12 per cent for the first three weeks of November 2009 compared to the previous month. As well, on-line donations are up 85 per cent in early November compared to the same period in 2008.
- “I’m standing up against family violence” messages are being sent along with donations as Calgarians respond to the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter awareness campaign.
We know family violence can end because we believe people can choose not to abuse, and no one chooses to be abused. The Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter services are free for clients; all of our services respect confidentiality and focus on individuals’ strengths; all of our services are working towards a society free from family violence.
