Edmonton charity sees summer spike in free moving service for those escaping violence

Family and intimate partner violence is up in Canada in recent years, though calls to Edmonton police are slowing down.

Shelter Movers Edmonton, a charity helping people escape dangerous living situations says more summer family outings can sometimes lead to more abuse. Increasing the number of people needing help getting themselves and their belongings to safety.

However, the summer heat also brings more social services providers requiring help from shelter mover volunteers.

“Over the summer, we see a rise in intimate partner violence situations, and we see that just because of the stresses of life changing,” said Afrah Collier-Potts, operations manager at Shelter Movers Edmonton. “Kids are out of school. People are spending a lot more time together. What our service provides is not just the support system just in the physical aspect of being there, but the physical support of us moving everything and getting out everything for them.”

“I would say that we’ve seen an increase in high risk moves since being in Edmonton,” added Collier-Potts.

Collier-Potts says the lack of affordable housing in Alberta also makes it harder for people to relocate.

“I can’t imagine what it’s like to be somebody leaving a situation where you have combined incomes, and now you’re trying to get out and you’re doing it on your own in order to stay safe,” said Collier-Potts.