Family violence – How Albertans can help

Family and friends

It is important to be supportive if someone tells you they are experiencing family violence or domestic violence, or if you suspect they are. Family and friends can help them by:

calling 911 if there is an immediate threat
learning more about family violence or domestic violence to know the warning signs
asking in a caring way if someone is hurting them
believing them when they tell you what is happening
making sure they know the abuse is not their fault and they do not deserve it
call, text (standard messaging rates apply) or chat with the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818
helping them find other community supports
keeping everything they tell you private
offering any supports you can to help keep them, their children and pets safe such as a place to stay, transportation, food or other daily needs

Employers

Employers can support staff in understanding how to prevent, recognize and deal with family violence by:

calling 911 if there is an immediate threat
ensuring they follow Occupational Health and Safety requirements to help prevent and address workplace harassment and violence incidents
sharing information at meetings, online or through print resources like posters and brochures
offering education sessions that everyone must take
developing policies that tell employees what to do if someone is experiencing family violence while they are at work or at home
making sure employees know who they can speak to with concerns about family violence or domestic violence – this could be:
- a manager in the company
- the company’s employee and family assistance program
- call, text (standard messaging rates apply) or chat with the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818
- other community supports
supporting family violence or domestic violence prevention activities in the community

Health care providers

Health professionals can help people feel safe to share difficult information and accept supports by:

calling 911 if there is an immediate threat
learning to recognize warnings signs that a child or adult is being abused
arranging to be alone with the individual to talk about the situation if you see signs of violence or abuse
taking a caring, non-judgmental approach
determining if there is abuse through a conversation that includes:
- a general statement such as ‘Everyone has arguments.’
- a general question like ‘What happens when you argue?'
- a follow-up question like ‘Has anything happened that may have caused your symptoms?’
taking steps to ensure the person is safe and supported if abuse is happening
reassuring them the abuse is not their fault and they deserve to be safe
asking them if they are safe right now or if they need help to be safe
call, text (standard messaging rates apply) or chat with the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818, or other community supports for short and long-term assistance
documenting the person’s statements (using quotes), injuries, behaviours, symptoms, treatments and referrals
consulting with local police about any further action if the abuse is reported

Cultural and faith communities

Cultural and spiritual advisors can provide a supportive environment to help both victims of family violence and those who are abusive by:

calling 911 if there is an immediate threat
learning more about family violence or domestic violence to know the warning signs
believing a victim’s story and recognizing they are in real danger
holding an abuser accountable and not accepting excuses
urging the abuser to seek appropriate treatment
call, text (standard messaging rates apply) or chat with the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818, or other cultural and community supports for short- and long-term assistance
sharing spiritual and cultural texts that emphasize respect and positive interactions
offering rituals, meditations and other healing approaches