Edmonton·CBC PODCAST

Why are we seeing a spike in intimate partner violence?

CBC podcast looks at an increase in cases, and the support and resources are missing that can make a difference.

CBC podcast looks at the bump and asks about missing support and resources

A mother and young girl pose with a lit birthday cake.
Ashley Burke poses for a birthday photo with her daughter Abigail Michele Robson. Robson, now grown, says her mother was a kind, selfless woman. Her mother's body was found on an Edmonton riverbank on Dec. 30, 2024. Burke's death is one of several recent homicides across Canada resulting from domestic violence, according to police. (Submitted by Abigail Michele Robson)

The new year opened with reports of intimate partner violence leading to homicides in Edmonton, Calgary, Halifax and other places in Canada.

Where did the bump in cases come from? And how do we tackle this issue, which doesn't seem to let up? 

The new year opened with reports of intimate partner violence leading to homicides in Edmonton, Calgary, Halifax and other places in Canada. Where did the bump in cases come from? And how do we tackle this issue, which doesn’t seem to let up? In this episode we hear from the daughter of a woman in Edmonton who was a victim of intimate partner violence last month, and talk to the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters about what needs to happen next.  Non-emergency resources and hotlines available in Edmonton:Family Violence Information line call or text 310-1818.The provincial abuse helpline call 1-855-443-5722The Police Non-emergency line call 780-423-4567 or text #377For web resources, go to acws.ca

In this episode, we hear from Abigail Michele Robson, whose mother Ashley Burke was found dead in Edmonton late last month in what police say was a case of intimate partner violence. 

We also talk to Cat Champagne, the new executive director of the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters, about what needs to happen next. 

If you or someone you know needs support, there are non-emergency resources and hotlines available in Edmonton and Alberta:

  • Family Violence Information line: call or text 310-1818.
  • Provincial abuse helpline call 1-855-443-5722.
  • Edmonton police non-emergency line: call 780-423-4567 or text #377.
  • The Alberta Council of Women's Shelters has resources online at acws.ca.

This is Edmonton is posted online every Wednesday. Listen here or get in touch at [email protected].