Calgary police expect high domestic violence levels in 2016 amid economic downturn

Police have released a sobering set of statistics suggesting Calgary cases of domestic violence this year are likely to be on par with high levels seen in 2015.

Last year, police received 3,282 total domestic violence calls, which was about ten per cent more than in 2014 and a 24 per cent increase in the five-year average.

“Indications from the first quarter of this year show that 2016 is not likely to be any better,” police explained in a news release.

BELOW: Annual Domestic Conflict Calls in Calgary

Investigators received approximately 40 per cent more domestic violence calls in the first three months of 2016 than usual. Police said total domestic conflict calls are also up approximately six per cent from the average.

“Domestic violence is on the rise in Calgary, likely because of the economic challenges facing families,” police said.

BELOW: Correlation between unemployment rate and domestic violence

“Domestic violence is a very real problem in our community and it crosses all neighbourhoods, age groups, ethnicities, religions and economic statuses,” said Staff Sgt. Rob Davidson with the Calgary Police Service Domestic Conflict Unit.

“We know there is a connection between increased unemployment and increased domestic violence as people who are already prone to violence are home more and are facing significant stressors – and that is likely what we are seeing in Calgary.”

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Officers in the Domestic Conflict Unit work directly with approximately 2,400 families each year.

While the vast majority of domestic conflict victims were women, police said approximately one in five were men.

READ MORE: Heat map shows were domestic violence is happening in Calgary

The Calgary Police Service always encourages anyone that is experiencing abuse or violence in an intimate relationship to reach out for help by calling the Connect Family & Sexual Abuse Network at 403 -237-5888 (Toll Free: 1-877-237-5888), the 24-hour Family Violence Helpline at 403-234-SAFE (7233), or 211.

Victims of domestic violence can also contact the Calgary Police Service anytime by calling the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234, or 911 if they are in immediate danger.