November is Family Violence Prevention month in Alberta.

Family Community Support Services (FCSS) says although statistics can be hard to keep they have noticed an increase in inquiries.

Susan Flowers, FCSS, Manager, says repercussions of the economic downturn are a reason for the increase.

"We know that stress is really high everywhere; unemployment, and all the factors that might relate to pressures on relationships or cause more unhealthy relationships."

Flowers believes outreach programming is a necessity to help families.

"We need to do more education and outreach, we are all trying to do bits of that off the side of our desk so it would be really nice to have someone dedicated to that area who can become an expert."

Another opportunity has presented itself, and while still premature in planning, Flowers is excited to see where the concept will end up.

"There is a group here in Cochrane who want to start working on an idea of a shelter, so they are going to apply for non profit status and start working in that area . It might be a small condo or something to start with and then maybe some day a full shelter, we are not exactly sure what that will look like but Cochrane has grown enough we are starting to think that it might be time."

Flowers says family violence is not limited to domestic violence cases, but elder abuse as well.

"It is a complicated situation with elder abuse it's very hidden often financial or emotional abuse. We just want to educate the community and service providers on how to recognize and who to call to coordinate a response when something does happen."

If you do find yourself in an abusive situation, there are many places to reach out for help.

"It depends on what is, if it's anything to do with the law and  breaking the law and crisis they should certainly call the RCMP right away, Victim Services, would also be a support and get involved where they can. We are here to help guide people and look at the whole situation and see where we can help, there is always the critical care centre if they need help right away. There isn't a lot for 24 hour support but they can call the Distress Centre in Calgary and get some really good advice." 

If you need assistance, the following resources are accessible:

  • Family and Community Support Services 403-851-2250
  • Addiction and Mental Health Services 403-851-6100
  • Cochrane and Area Victim Services 403-851-8055
  • Cochrane Community Health Centre 403-851-6000
  • Cochrane RCMP 403-932-2211 or 911
  • 24 Hr Distress Centre Crisis Line 403-266-4357
  • 24 Hr Community Resource Team 403-299-9699
  • Calgary Communities Against Sexual Assault 1-877-237-5888
  • Child and Family Services 403-297-2995