COVID-19: Calgary police, shelters brace for surge in domestic violence calls

Calgary police and local shelters are bracing for an increase in domestic violence as families are hit with the stresses connected to COVID-19 isolation and its financial fallout.

"We are anticipating that is going to certainly increase our workload from a domestic violence investigation perspective," said Staff Sgt. Paul Wozney with the Calgary Police Service's domestic conflict unit.

"Our numbers are going to go up."

CPS has seen a steady increase of between seven and 10 per cent in calls related to family violence each and every year for the past five years. 

'New to all of us'

Wozney says there is a direct correlation with the economic downturn, and that number is now expected to "mushroom."

With kids now at home, cancelled activities, no access to recreation centres and increased financial pressures, "we have a lot of households in Calgary that are under a financial strain already," said Wozney. 

Countries a few weeks ahead of Canada in pandemic quarantine have already seen dramatic increases in family violence.

According to the Calgary Domestic Violence Collective (CDVC), police in China's Hubei province reported cases nearly tripled in February. 

"This is new to all of us, including those of us in law enforcement," said Wozney. "It's added stressors that a lot of households in this community aren't ready for and certainly don't need."

Emergency shelter boosts helpline capacity

Police are working closely with community partners like the Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter and the Immigrant Women's Association.

The CDVC says some programs in Calgary must be adjusted or closed but emergency services and other supports will remain accessible.

The Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter as well as its community programs and services remain open.

"We know the incidences of family violence and abuse will increase," said CEO Kim Ruse in a statement on the agency's website.

"Effective immediately, we are refocusing services and offering additional support to those impacted and have also added capacity to answer calls on our 24-Hour Family Violence Helpline."

Check on each other

The Family Violence Helpline is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, at 403-234-SAFE (7233) and is prepared for an increased number of calls.

Anyone in danger should call 911. 

"We are all in this together and we promise to do our level best to keep the women, children, youth and men impacted by family violence and abuse safe while we deal with COVID-19 in our community," said Ruse.

The Calgary Immigrant Women's Association is offering its services over the phone, online and through teleconferencing. 

The domestic violence collective says people should continue to practise social connection by reaching out and checking on neighbours, family and friends by phone, email, text or Facetime.

"This will be important for those in vulnerable situations."