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. “There has been an increase in strangulation rates. In the number of weapons that people have in their homes. Risk factors continue to climb, so we think this is a really critical conversation to be having right now so that people do connect with outside resources to avoid more challenging or horrific outcomes,” said Kim Ruse, FearIsNotLove president and CEO. “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. There’s also growing demand from groups that help people before and after their shelter journey. The Women in Need Society will soon open a new facility in the northeast. “We’re experiencing double demand for the supports that we offer in the community. Cost of living is still increasing. It’s still very difficult for women to make a living in our city,” said Karen Ramchuk, Women In Need Society president andCEO. Survivor story Candace escaped an abusive relationship years ago, saying it was subtle at first and not physical, but she was slowly isolated from her family and friends. It escalated, and friends convinced her to finally speak to police after she’d been strangled by her fiancé. She’s thankful she didn’t wait any longer to get help. “Realizing how dangerous the situation I was in was, and in fact, it was leading to potentially losing my life,” she said. Candace said she feels lucky to be alive after her abuse and credits the support she got from agencies, police, family and friends for giving her strength to help others. “The scariest thing you’re going to do is make that first phone call to say I need some help, but please do not be afraid to get some help because it is out there,” she said. She and support groups say community support is critical to notice the signs and to give people escaping abuse a soft landing. Even people who want to help loved ones or suspect they might be abusive can call for support and can choose any of the agencies because they are all working together to connect people with the support they need. Calgarians experiencing abuse or violence in an intimate or family relationship are encouraged to reach out for help by calling 211 or several agencies, including:
