While domestic violence is a year-round problem, seasonal stresses like family gatherings, tight finances, and alcohol may add tension to an already abusive situation.

Tara McFadden is the newly appointed Fund Development and Public Relations Officer for Big Hill Haven here in Cochrane, and she says that victims and survivors of domestic violence may experience additional stress and unique challenges over the holiday season.

"Conflict is greater and stress is greater over the holidays. We recently saw that the report indicating that Alberta has one of the highest rates of domestic violence incidents in the country, which is extremely sad for our province. This certainly highlights the difficult place that women can be in."

Mc Fadden encourages women that are in abusive relationships to reach out for help. She says that Big Hill Haven will provide them with the resources they need and a safe place to stay.

"Women sometimes find themselves having to make a choice whether to stay in an abusive relationship or often end up homeless with nowhere to go. That's how Big Hill Haven can help. We offer support to women who need help and a place to go. We get 4 to 5 calls a day from women who are looking for support and shelter. Big Hill Haven is focused on providing services through our outreach workers. While the holidays are a time of great stress, Big Hill Haven is stepping up and is here to help." 

Big Hill Haven is hoping to raise $500,000 in 2020 in order to qualify for provincial grants to help build an estimated $1.5 million women's shelter.

McFadden says "While the holidays are a stressful time, we are providing a resource to help. If people want to help us help others they can make donations online and we can get that fundraising underway. For us to be able to put up a family for one night it costs $100. Every donation makes a big difference and can help give a family a safe place to stay."

Donations can be made visiting https://www.bighillhaven.com/ and hitting the "Donate Now" link.