Would you know what to do if you witnessed family violence or someone confided in you about it?

No matter where you live in Canada, violence within families is a problem. StatsCan numbers

from 2022 showed that family violence across the provinces and territories was most often

increasing when compared to previous years, with some areas seeing massive jumps. The

rates given below are all based on per 100,000 population.

Nunavut, which sees significantly high family violence rates year over year, jumped from 3,289

to 4,449 between 2014 and 2019. Between 2019 and 2020, just one year apart, their numbers

continued to climb, from 4,449 to 4,937. In 2022, the numbers rose to over 5,100. Of all places

in Canada, Nunavut is by far the highest for family violence rates.

Although rates are much lower compared to other provinces, Alberta included, that doesn’t

mean the problem isn’t severe. The numbers are high no matter how you slice the pie. In 2014,

Alberta recorded 358 and again, this is per 100,000 people. Pulling up the population data from

that year, Alberta had roughly 4.1 million residents, which means that nearly 15,000 victims of

family violence were reported that year.

Alberta’s rates of family violence have hovered between 350-380 from 2014 to 2022. If rates

from this year stayed within that margin, using the same per-100,000 people calculation and

choosing the middle ground of 365, there could be nearly 18,000 people in Alberta reporting

family violence this year. And what if that margin is passed? Then, the numbers will be even

higher.

The story is similar for intimate partner violence. StatsCan reported that most provinces and

every territory saw either an increase or a very slight decrease, showing that the rates of

violence between intimate partners were not moving much. The three territories had the highest

rates in Canada for reported victims, with Nunavut taking the title no one wants to have as

highest.

Amongst the provinces, Saskatchewan was the highest, followed by Manitoba. Saskatchewan

saw well over 700 per 100,000, which, based on 2022’s population data, equates to over 8,700

victims. In Alberta, in 2022, intimate partner violence was reported as 388 per 100,000, totalling

just over fourteen thousand reported victims.

One thing to keep in mind from these numbers is that according to StatsCan’s General Social

Survey on Victimization, a vast majority of spousal victims said they experienced violence but

Didn’t report it to police. What about family violence? How much is reported? Sadly, only God

knows because if it isn’t reported, it isn’t in the data.

In Alberta, November is Family Violence Prevention Month. In communities throughout the

province, there will be awareness events and social media conversations (using #WhereToTurn)

to turn up the dialogue and get the message out there that family violence is preventable.

Educating people on what supports exist close to home and what family violence looks like are

top priorities.

Family violence doesn’t come in one size or shape. The Government of Alberta lists some types

of family violence, which include child abuse or neglect, domestic abuse or spousal/partner

abuse, pet cruelty, sexual violence, and sibling abuse.

Alberta.ca also provides information on signs of abuse to watch out for, including signs of

depression, withdrawal from family and friends, changes in personality, unexplained bruises or

injuries, uptick or beginning use of alcohol or drugs, or not wanting to make decisions without

their partner. For children, possible signs include knowing more about sex than what is normal

for their age, running from home, unexplained injuries, being very fearful of parents’ reactions,

aggressive behaviours, and often being alone, hungry, dirty or not dressed for the weather. The

site also includes signs for older youth and seniors.

In Whitecourt, several events are hosted by The Whitecourt Family Violence Initiative (FVI),

including a couple this month due to scheduling conflicts. Two events happening in October

include Pub Foods with the Dudes on October 18. Held at the Sagitawah Brewing Company, the

event is open to men and boys 13+ and aims at breaking the cycle of gender-based violence.

On the same day, the Director of Programs with Next Gen Men, Jonathon Reed, will be visiting

students at Hilltop High School, providing a similar presentation as he will give at the Pub Foods

with the Dudes event that evening. Ecole St. Joseph School students have also been invited to

attend.

Kicking off November, residents are asked to keep their outside porch lights on or pick up a free

purple light-up bracelet at the AJMC to help “shine a light” on family violence and help recognize

November as Family Violence Prevention Month.

The Family Violence Stakeholders Group will erect two large banners on the CN stair bridge to

share the message. The FVI will also hand out purple ribbons and light-up bracelets at the

Whitecourt Wolverines home game on November 15 against the Olds Grizzlys at JDA Place.

Residents out for a bite to eat should also watch for family violence-related beverage coasters at

local establishments, and information kits will be at local businesses to display to the public and

their employees.

On Saturday, November 2, the FVI Gala will take place at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall. The event is

18+ and features former NHL player and Stanley Cup winner, Theo Fleury, speaking about his

experience with abuse at the hands of a junior coach.

Family violence isn’t just a problem for those experiencing it. It’s for everyone. Knowing the

warning signs and acting upon a concern could be the difference maker in someone’s life. The

Government of Alberta’s website provides tons of information for those dealing with family

violence and those who witness it or know about it and what to do.

There are also numerous hotlines, both provincially and nationally. The Family Violence Info

Line is 310-1818. The Abuse Helpline is 1-855-4HELPAB (443-5722). The Child Abuse Hotline

is 1-800-387-KIDS (5437). The Sexual Violence One Line is 1-866-403-8000 for call or text. The

Men’s Helpline is 1-833-327-MENS (6367). The Emergency Income Support Contact Centre is

1-866-644-5135. The Mental Health Helpline’s number is 1-877-303-2642, and Health Link is

811. Locally, the Wellspring Family Resource and Crisis Centre’s 24/7 crisis line is 780-778-

6209 or 1-800-467-4049.