Advocacy for a Future Free of Domestic Violence

As we move forward with our strategic priorities, with a focus on breaking the stigma of domestic violence, we will create positive, large-scale change in the way domestic violence is approached. Working alongside partners in the sector, we will work with leaders to address the issues that contribute to gender-based violence, shortfalls in funding, and ensure our front-line workers are set up to serve our community.

Some highlights of what we will advocate for include:

Revitalizing Shelter Models and Work Force Strategies 

Shelters are being asked to pay 2023 prices with 2015 dollars. The last increase in funding for domestic violence shelter staff wages was in 2014. Last year, the turnover rate for shelter staff was 45%, and it cost Alberta shelters more than $2.25 million to fill vacant positions. 

Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (ECVO) is advocating for a sector-wide work force strategy to address turnover and burnout, provide fair working conditions and living wages, and ensure the non-profit sector is seen as a competitive alternative to the private and public sectors.

The fact of the matter is that the work that we do saves lives. The demand for our services is higher than ever, and we are being called to do more with fewer resources. Our staff deserve to be fairly compensated for their hard work, compassion, education, and expertise.

Equitable Funding to Address the Needs of the People We Support

The non-profit sector contributes $7.73 billion in revenue to Alberta’s economy. It employs over 286,000 Albertans. 46% of the sector’s income is earned revenue – not government grants or contracts. Alberta shelters have not received an increase in operational funding since 2015. Meanwhile the cost of living has increased by 20%. We call for equitable funding models that are updated for 2023, including modernized, simplified, multi-year agreements that reduce red tape. This should include recognition of, and compensation for, the disparity between rural and urban complexities.

Develop a Made-in-Alberta Action Plan for Gender Based Violence

Alberta has the third highest rate of self-reported spousal abuse. Alberta shelters received 65,390 calls for support in 2021-2, a 25% increase from the previous year. The Canada National Action Plan on Gender Based Violence will be implemented through individual agreements with the provinces.

It is crucial that Alberta has its own Action Plan for Gender-Based Violence that includes input from shelter staff who work on the front lines. This plan must include provisions for elder abuse and support for older adults, and support for Indigenous women and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Increased Access to Emergent, Safe, and Affordable Housing 

Shelters across Alberta receive far more requests for help than our resources can answer. This is true for Jessie’s House too – in the first 11 months of 2022, we received 1,500 admission calls, with 329 of those calls leading to new admissions. We have also consistently been at or near capacity – 136 days at 100% capacity and generally at 87% capacity. Those facing abuse are at a high risk of being killed by a current or former partner. They need the security of emergency and second stage shelters.

Homelessness has increased by 75% in the Edmonton area since the onset of the pandemic. Research shows that domestic violence is commonly cited as the leading cause of homelessness for women. Lack of income or precarious employment contribute to this number, but the biggest factor is the lack of affordable housing. 72% of the survivors who completed danger assessments in emergency shelters said they were at severe or extreme risk of being killed by their partner or ex-partner.

Simply put, Jessie’s House saves lives. We need more safe and affordable housing options for Albertans who are fleeing domestic violence and creating a new beginning.

Domestic Violence is a Health Issue

In addition to homelessness, domestic violence has impacts on the health care system. We work in partnership with Alberta Health Services to offer the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) to Barrhead, Fort Saskatchewan, Strathcona, Sturgeon, Westlock, and Westview Community Hospitals. Domestic violence is a health issue. The Government of Canada reports the estimated the annual cost of spousal violence in Canada is $20.9 million in health care, $5.9 million in emergency department visits, and $14.7 million in acute hospitalization. Even more staggering, Mental Health cost an additional $179.4 million to Canadians. These numbers are from 2009 – you can imagine how much higher they are in 2023 dollars.

Primary Prevention is Key to Creating a Future Free of Domestic Violence

It is clear that the need is there, and our programming supports those who are experiencing domestic violence. But primary prevention is key. On March 16th, two Edmonton Police Officers were shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic violence call. We were founded in response to our own tragedy, and events like this serve as a reminder of just how high the stakes are. Programming that focuses on awareness, education, and advocacy will help prevent tragedies like these from happening. Large scale change will take a collaborative effort, calling on service providers, all orders of government, and the community to create a future free of domestic violence for all individuals.