The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue of domestic violence in Airdrie, according to the RCMP and local charities dedicated to supporting victims and survivors of intimate-partner violence.
Sandra Joe, the support services manager for North Rocky View Community Links, said the non-profit organization saw eight new reports of intimate-partner violence between March 25 and April 8.
“There has definitely been an increase,” said Joe, adding Community Links currently has roughly 100 cases for domestic abuse on file.
She said the pandemic is a direct contributor to the uptick in domestic violence being reported. With families confined mainly to their homes and thousands of people experiencing financial struggles or layoffs, she said household tensions have, in some cases, come to a boil.
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“[The pandemic] has created fear and anxiety and a whole array of emotions for all of us,” she said. “What’s added to that is if someone loses a job, or struggles with addiction. Prior [to the pandemic] there was that space – the kids could go to school and be safe, and not have to deal with what was going on in the family. Or, maybe a partner worked, so there was a seven- or eight-hour break in the day.
“People are going to get on each other’s nerves, and everything is amplified. I think if you add any kind of substance abuse or if you’re struggling with mental health, there are a whole bunch of variables.”
The Airdrie RCMP also noted a recent increase in calls related to domestic disputes, though the detachment has experienced a drop in non-emergency calls.
While Community Links’ physical office is closed, Joe stressed the organization is still fully staffed and offering free domestic violence counselling throughout the pandemic, along with a domestic violence survivors’ support group.
She added that in some cases, direct financial support from Community Links might even be available for victims, as income-related stress can be a trigger for domestic disputes.
“I just really encourage people to reach out, because we’re fully staffed, fully prepared and we have the resources people need,” she said. “We just need them to call.”
Community Links’ in-take department is accepting calls five days a week for people to report domestic violence, or other issues.
“Anyone can call in to our main number – 403-945-3900 – and speak to our in-take department,” Joe said. “Then, you can do call-in counselling from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 to 3 p.m., and that’s five days a week.”
Joe said Community Links is also working with the Airdrie RCMP and the Airdrie and District Victim Assistance Society (ADVAS) to ensure support for victims of family violence.
“We’re pretty lucky and grateful we have such a fantastic working relationship where we’re all connected and help each other out,” she said.
In an email to the Airdrie City View, ADVAS’ interim executive director, Lori Rehill, said the organization is focused on continuing to provide support, information and referrals to victims of family violence during the pandemic, over the phone and online.
“We cannot anticipate how you might feel after being impacted by violence, no matter what type of domestic situation you find yourself in,” Rehill’s email read. “Your reaction to violence is not a sign of weakness and shows no age, gender or racial boundaries. It's important to know what you can do and where you can turn for help during this time.”
According to Rehill, ADVAS will continue to review current safety or protection needs with those who have experienced domestic violence, including assistance with applications for protection orders and contact with emergency shelters.
As well, the agency will provide those individuals with all the necessary information regarding the legal process if charges have been laid, while also working to connect clients with other agencies, such as Community Links or Alberta Works, to address each individual situation.
Airdrie RCMP is reminding residents that incidents of domestic violence should continue to be reported to the police during the pandemic.
“If the incident is an emergency, call 911,” read a press release from the detachment. “For non-emergencies, the number is 403-945-7200.”
The City of Airdrie has also published a list of available community resources on airdrie.ca by searching "Community Resources."
Scott Strasser, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @scottstrasser19
