The Alberta government is funding five community projects to help immigrants and refugees affected by family violence.
On Tuesday morning, Community and Social Services Minister Irfan Sabir announced that the province is investing $600,000 into community agencies that have developed culturally appropriate services that provide education, increasing awareness, supporting victims and engaging men and boys.
“Family violence devastates individuals and communities, and we all have a responsibility to assist our neighbours who are suffering,” Sabir said.
“On behalf of the Alberta government, I’m pleased to support the good work community agencies are doing to care for new Albertans. Only by working together will we end domestic violence.”
READ MORE: Alberta 3rd highest province for rate of intimate partner violence
The province said learning a new language or the pressures of adapting to a new country can contribute to family violence. The programs will ensure community supports are in place to help families adjust, according to the province.
The REACH Immigrant and Refugee Initiative — Family Violence Prevention in a Cultural Context — is one of those programs.
“Our project helps cultural navigators — leaders who are respected by their communities — explore issues that impact family health. REACH Edmonton is grateful to the Alberta government for funding this project,” REACH Edmonton executive director Jan Fox said.
READ MORE: Alberta government supporting those affected by violence and abuse
Earlier this year, the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics (CCJS) released a report indicating Alberta saw a two per cent increase in family violence since 2014 and ranked third highest among all provinces when it came to rates of intimate partner violence.
The government said its provided more than $6 million to community agencies through the Family and Community Safety Program to help Albertans impacted by family violence.