New women’s domestic abuse shelter supports Calgary’s newcomers

The name of a new women’s shelter means a peaceful place. Calgary’s Maskan was developed by the Canadian Pakistani Support Group.

It’s been three years in the making. Aneela Azeem helped inspire the shelter for newcomers and immigrants in the city.

“They don’t know who to talk to and who should they trust,” Azeem said Wednesday.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "They don't know who to talk to and who should they trust," Azeem said Wednesday.

The home is in an undisclosed location for safety reasons and is equipped to house six adults and four children.

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The hope is to inspire empowerment and give people tools on how to be financially independent. Azeem wants to educate certain cultures on gender equality and women’s rights.

“Nobody wants to talk about it and the problem exists and there is a lot to teach people.”

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A new app and website called Connect Line launched by the Calgary Police Service is also designed to help survivors navigate resources — newcomers among them. Eventually, the app will be released in different languages.

While they stress the fact that violence and abuse are not allowed or tolerated, in some religions, divorce is a last resort. Part of the programming includes reconciliation and counselling for the family in hopes of repairing any fractures within the home.