Alberta’s domestic violence shelters overwhelmed with requests for help as population grows

Domestic violence and elder abuse shelters in Alberta are seeing overwhelming demand for services and safe spaces they simply can’t keep up with. 

This trend has survivors and advocates afraid for those looking to save their lives and their children. 

“I always hate seeing these reports, and I hate seeing, especially now, how the numbers are increasing,” said Karen Gosbee, a domestic violence survivor.

After 23 years, Gosbee left her marriage, without staying in a women’s shelter, she made it out safely.

But she knows how difficult it was and fears many others won’t escape.

“Their ability to navigate the system and actually know what to do in a matter that will be safe for them and their children, it’s too daunting for them,” said Gosbee.

A new report from the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters revealed over 53,000 calls for help in the province in the 2023-24 fiscal year, and most were provided with services.

However, just a little over 81,000 were admitted to in-shelter programs, and more than 31,000 people who needed a safe place to stay were turned away.

Executive director of Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, Cat Champagne, says the numbers highlight a need for more investment to keep pace with inflation.

“We’re seeing increases in trends as populations grow, as funding isn’t increased. We’re very fortunate to have an allocation in this year’s budget, but we haven’t had an allocation for quite some time,” said Champagne.

A spokesperson for the Alberta Ministry of Children and Family Services told CityNews the province set aside over $60 million in Budget 2025 to fund women’s shelters and the services they provide.

“It is encouraging to see in the report that, even with record population growth, admissions to Women’s Shelters due to domestic violence are lowering.  We recognize there is still more work to be done in the sector,” read the statement.

But, Gosbee wants to see an even bigger push on this issue, so no one else has to endure an experience similar to hers.

“My hope is that one day we can eradicate this and actually have it diminish and see those numbers go down, as opposed to go up,” said Gosbee.

If you or anyone you know are experiencing domestic violence, there are supports available. Province-wide support is available by calling or texting 310-1818.