Domestic violence is at epidemic levels in Alberta with 1 in 3 individuals experiencing violence in their lifetime.  The impact of domestic violence knows no bounds. Incidents of domestic violence exist across rural and urban areas, within all cultural and faith communities, amongst university educated professionals with a roof over their heads and those who don’t know where their next safe place to sleep will be. 

All Albertans are impacted by domestic violence in our communities, this is an issue that is too big to be ignored.

It’s time to Get Real.

Real Talk is a guide to help us understand and talk about domestic violence in Alberta.  Learning how to talk about domestic violence isn’t fancy or complicated.  Real Talk is just a real moment between two people, it isn’t about trying to fix things, it’s about empowering change and bringing people together.  The  campaign is about all Albertans getting  and confronting domestic violence in our communities.

Real Talk is about:

Recognizing domestic violence,

Empathizing with the person impacted by the violence,

Asking them what they need, and

Listening without judgement.

There are many ways to get involved, learn more at realktalk.sagesse.org

Suicide rates in Canada have climbed to over 30 per cent since 2015. Relationship conflict and concurrent domestic violence is a factor in this rate. World Suicide Prevention Day is on September 10^{th –} take the time to survey the people around you and do your part to support.

If you know someone who is experiencing thoughts of suicide, loneliness, hopelessness or is potentially in a situation of domestic violence, try utilizing some of these tools and resources to support them:

1. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings in a safe space. Remember, it can be difficult to be vulnerable, but if you listen and are supportive, people are likely to open up.
2. Try to work through the topic with them by listening and giving comments that are positive in nature. Be careful not to judge or place blame on their situation or thoughts.
3. Connect them with some of the following resources:

The Calgary Distress Centre

 The Calgary Distress Centre (CDC) offers 24-hour support, counselling and resources. Last year the Distress centre responded to 113,975 communications from people in distress and they are there to support anyone in need.

Website: www.distresscentre.com

Call them at: 403.266.4357

Crisis Services Canada

Crisis Services Canada (CSC) is a national line network of existing distress crisis and suicide prevention line services. 

Website: http://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/

Call toll-free at 1.866.456.4566

Text with them at 45645

Chat with them at: http://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/#CdnSMSChat

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger Call 9-1-1

If you are believe you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse please call the 24-hour Family Violence Helpline – 403-234-SAFE (7233).

If you have been sexually abused in an intimate relationship: 24-hour Sexual Violence Support and Information – 403-237-5888 (Toll Free: 1-877-237-5888).

To report domestic abuse or violence: Calgary Police Service (Non-Emergency) Line – 403-266-1234.