A new report from 10 Calgary-area domestic violence shelters and support organizations is highlighting the growing need for their services, while also showing the positive impact of working together to support survivors. The 2026 report, titled A Future Without Violence, says the organizations provided shelter to 2,550 people over the past year — a 17 per cent increase from the previous year. “Every year, we learn more about the evolving needs in our communities, and our collaborative response becomes stronger,” said Linette Soldan, executive director at Rowan House Society. According to the report, staff at the organizations answered more than 23,000 crisis calls this year and helped 63 per cent of shelter participants move into stable housing after shelter. The report says the need for services is increasing, with 66 per cent of people who completed standardized danger assessments facing a severe or extreme risk of homicide from an intimate partner. Despite the challenges they face, the organizations say their collaborative approach is producing positive reports, with 86 per cent of those leaving the shelter saying they feel hopeful about their future, and 89 per cent saying they feel safer than when they arrived. The organizations say the goal of releasing the information is to give a transparent account of the supports available and what it takes to meet growing needs. “This report is proof of that progress, and a case for what else is possible with the right support,” Soldan said. A Future Without Violence was produced by Big Hill Haven, Discovery House, FearIsNotLove, Heart Home Network, Niitoiyis Family Support Society, Radiance Family Society, Rowan House Society, True North Society, YWCA Banff and YWCA Calgary.
