“Domestic violence is a serious and complex crime that cuts across all social, economic and cultural groups. It adversely affects all aspects of society and is a devastating reality for victims, families and children who witness or live with the consequences of that violence.

This past November was Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta. This started in 1986 as a local initiative in the town of Hinton, Alberta where concerned residents launched a family violence education and prevention campaign. This grassroots effort inspired the Alberta Legislature to support family violence prevention as an ongoing provincial initiative, resulting in the creation of Family Violence Prevention Month. Today, hundreds of Alberta communities and thousands of individuals are actively involved in preventing family violence by providing public education and services.

Last year, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) investigated 7679 reports of domestic violence. The EPS defines domestic violence as any physical or sexual force, actual or threated, in an intimate relationship. It may include a single act of violence or a number of acts that form a pattern of abuse through the use of assaultive or controlling behavior.  The pattern of abuse may include: physical abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, and threats to harm children, other family members, pets, and property.

The EPS is committed to providing the best possible service to victims of domestic violence. There are currently over 90 Victim Support Team (VST) officers in the city’s five Patrol Divisions that provide follow-up intervention (safety planning) to victims of domestic violence in addition to their regular patrol duties. VST officers help make victims aware of their safety options and connect victims to community resources and support networks. The EPS’ Domestic Violence Intervention Team Constables, City of Edmonton Community Services Social Workers and Victim Services Unit Volunteer Advocates also provide follow-up intervention, support and safety planning strategies to victims of domestic violence.

But, police can’t do it alone! We require the support of our community partnerships, stakeholders, and the collective and committed efforts of everyone, to help eradicate domestic violence in our community and reduce and prevent re-victimization.  Domestic violence is a community problem that requires a community solution.   As citizens and human beings, we have a moral obligation to look out for each other. We must report these horrific crimes in order that police may investigate, arrest the offenders responsible and bring them before the courts to be held accountable for their actions.

No one should live in fear in their own home! The next time you witness abuse, or suspect a family member, friend or colleague is a victim of domestic violence, make that call to police…someone’s life depends on it.

What can you do?  If you witness someone being abused or are the victim of domestic violence, call 9-1-1 for any crime in progress or for a life threatening emergency, and 780-423-4567 for non-emergency.

To talk confidentially with a social worker: 780-496-4777 City of Edmonton Assessment and Short-Term Counselling

For information on resources in Edmonton and across the province: 310-1818 (toll free) Family Violence Info Line. Help is available in 170 languages, 24/7. Call to find out what help is available in your community.”

Cst. Alana Savage
Southeast Division
Edmonton Police Service