Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta

November is Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta. You may be surprised to hear that Alberta has the third highest rate of self-reported spousal violence among Canadian provinces. It is a time for promoting change in attitudes and behaviours as we strive to address, reduce, and ultimately, eradicate family violence.

• This November, join in recognizing Family Violence Prevention Month and learn what resources are available in your community to support those affected by family violence. Such as:
• The Family Violence Info Line (310-1818) is available toll-free to Albertans 24/7 in over 170 languages
• The Family Violence Info Line chat is available 8 am to 8pm daily in English.
• Emergency shelters throughout the province provide safe locations to stay for people fleeing violent or abusive situations.
• Other supports are available on our resource page.

With the continuously growing amount of social media platforms, people can show their support by taking part in spreading awareness during November by using the hashtags #GoPurpleAB and #WhereToTurn. Here are a few ideas:

• Share Family Violence Prevention Month awareness resources on social media- Check out our Social media, dvat.yql on Instagram and Domestic Violence Action Team on Facebook
• Increasing your knowledge and understanding of family violence
• Putting up Family Violence Prevention Month posters in your community

Spotlight on Clare’s Law

Clare’s Law, also called the Disclosure to Protect Against Domestic Violence Act, allows for those who feel at risk of experiencing domestic violence a path to obtain information about their partners’ past and if it may include violence or abuse.. This allows for individuals to make informed decisions about their safety.

On April 1, 2021 Alberta introduced Clare’s Law into effect; however, Clare’s Law began in the United Kingdom in 2014. When a woman named Clare Wood was found murdered after leaving the relationship. It has been documented that Clare had experienced abuse and had previously reported it to the local Police.

After Clare’s death, her family learned that her boyfriend had an abusive past. Clare’s father, Michael Brown advocated for a law surrounding the “Right to Know” about a partner’s history of violence.

Local Events

1.5 hour Online Presentation upon request

Disclosures of Domestic Violence can result from a well-structured plan or when people find themselves in situations of opportunity, such as in the workplace. This presentation will provide working professionals with the knowledge and tools to respond to Domestic Violence disclosures in the workplace.

To book a presentation for your workplace contact Lindsey at lgehring@lfsfamily.ca

Lethbridge Family Services- Outreach and Education Department-Family Violence Prevention Month Presentations (online presentations)

Nov 9: Family Violence Awareness

Nov 16: How to Listen (When a Friend Needs You)

Nov 23: Healthy Relationships

Nov 30: Caring for Yourself

Tuesdays, 11:30am to 12:30pm

To register email outreach@lfsfamily.ca

Safe Haven Family Violence Awareness Walk- Taber Civic Center

Each November in Alberta, communities help raise awareness and work to prevent family violence by organizing public events and activities.
Safe Haven hosts an annual Awareness Walk on the first Wednesday of November.
Wear purple or one of the new Safe Haven x Kelsey Nicole t-shirts and join us as we confirm our proclamation of November as Family Violence Prevention Month in Taber with Mayor Prokop, followed by a walk through Confederation Park and a complimentary lunch to go.
Proclamation: 12:10
Walk: 12:15
Followed by FREE lunch to go! (Sponsored by Banditos Inc.