Everyone deserves to live their lives in safety, free from fear and violence. Gender-based violence is a crime that is happening every day, in every community, and it is everyone’s responsibility to end it. As part of the province’s comprehensive made-in-Alberta strategy to address all forms of gender-based violence, Alberta’s government invests more than $188 million annually in programs and services designed to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
“For those facing abuse, know that you are not alone and that help is available 24-7 through Alberta Supports. Our government continues to invest in these critical programs to ensure that survivors of gender-based violence have the resources they need to find safety and stability as they work to rebuild their lives and heal.”
Often, survivors of gender-based violence who are living in an abusive situation may not have the resource to leave, or if they’ve already left, they may not have the means to start over. To help those experiencing abuse get to safety and rebuild their lives, Alberta’s government provides emergency funding through the Escaping Abuse Benefit. The benefit provides supports such as transportation to a safe place and helps cover expenses for basic needs like food, clothing and shelter. The benefit also can help cover the costs of telephone calls and transportation to access counselling or legal advice, and help provide emergency access to items not available through shelters, like prescription drugs, extended health coverage, childcare, and dental and eye care services.
“With our launch of Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence, our government is taking decisive, coordinated action to support survivors and prevent abuse in all its forms. We are backing our commitment with meaningful investments in supports that give survivors the safety, stability and resources they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”
In addition, the province is investing $8.5 million this year, an increase of $2.3 million, into the Housing Benefit for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence. This housing benefit helps survivors find a safe, stable home while they work to rebuild their lives by helping pay for housing expenses, such as down payments, rent, utilities and mortgage payments. Each survivor can receive up to $7,200 per year through flexible monthly payments. The Housing Benefit for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence is expected to support more than 1,100 Albertans escaping abuse over the next year.
“Ending gender-based violence takes action, investment and a long-term vision. Investments like this are a crucial and commendable step forward to ensuring safety and dignity for all by supporting survivors with compassion.”
Alberta’s government recently launched Building on our Strengths: Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence, which is a bold, provincewide plan to address all forms of gender-based violence. As the most comprehensive strategy of its kind in Canada, Alberta’s strategy outlines more than 100 concrete initiatives to ensure efforts across government and community partners are coordinated so Alberta can put an end to gender-based violence. Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence complements and enhances existing initiatives to address the root causes of gender-based violence and prevent it before it occurs.
“Survivors of gender-based violence deserve more than safety – they deserve dignity, support and the opportunity to thrive. These investments are a critical step forward, offering real, tangible help to those rebuilding their lives after abuse. We commend the government’s commitment to long-term, survivor-centered solutions that recognize the complexity of gender-based violence and the importance of coordinated community response.”
Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.
Quick facts
- Gender-based violence refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It can take many forms, including physical assault, sexual assault, murder, femicide, family violence, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, stalking, financial control, threats, hate speech, cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking, pornography and coercive control.
- Albertans can connect with Alberta Supports for more information about the benefits available and how to apply by visiting alberta.ca/alberta-supports, emailing [email protected], calling 1-877-644-9992 toll free, or visiting your local Alberta Supports Office for in-person services.
- For after-hours support, the Emergency Income Support Contact Centre is available 24-7 at 1-866-644-5135.
Related information
- Alberta Supports
- Escaping Abuse Benefit
- Housing supports for survivors of gender-based violence
- Gender-based violence prevention
- Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence