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Statistics Understanding the Scope of Domestic Violence: Statistics and Trends The Facts Speak for Themselves In Canada, 44% of women or 6.2 million women aged 15 and older have experienced some form of abuse. Government of Canada, 2022 Approximately one in five (19%) victims of self-reported spousal violence reported their experiences to the police. Statistics Canada, 2022 The police are notified of less than 30% of Intimate Partner Violence cases. Letourneau, Dawn, Barton, & Griggs, 2023 Domestic abuse is growing across Alberta with a 19% increase from 2022 resulting in 8,483 women & seniors, 3561 children, 53 men, and 17 who identified as gender-diverse. ACWS Alberta Council of Women's Shelters 2023 Data Release 74% of Albertans report that they personally know at least one woman who has been sexually or physically assaulted. (This figure does not factor in the countless women who do not tell anyone about the assault(s) nor does in factor in any other type of abuse besides physical and sexualized violence.) Canadian Women's Foundation "Angus Reid Omnibus Survey", 2012 Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), such as abuse, neglect, witnessing domestic violence, or growing up with alcohol or other substance abuse, mental illness, parental discord, or crime are a common pathway to social, emotional, and cognitive impairments leading to increased risk of unhealthy behaviors, risk of violence or re-victimization, disease, disability and premature mortality Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Survey A child who witnesses spousal violence is experiencing a form of child abuse. Research shows that "witnessing family violence is as harmful as experiencing it directly." RCMP, "The Risks of Family Violence on Children – Where does it hurt?"

Careers Empowering Lives, Restoring Hope: Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter Welcome to Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter , where we believe everyone deserves a life free from family violence. Our shelter provides safe refuge, case management, and community support for families facing these challenges. Each year, nearly 3,000 individuals take the brave step towards a violence-free life, but thousands more in our community still need our help. ​ Family violence affects not only individuals and families but entire communities. Through prevention initiatives, child-focused healing programs, and empowering clients for safe independence, we've seen promising improvements in family violence rates in central Alberta. We continue to create groundbreaking opportunities for education and awareness. At CAWES , positive transformations are happening, and lives are changing. Join us in building a community where everyone has the right to live free from violence. Current Employment Opportunities Career 1 Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book. Learn More Career 2 Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book. Learn More Career 3 Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book. Learn More Learn more about our mission, services, and the impact we make by visiting our About Us page. Together, let's build a community where everyone has a right to live free from violence. Learn more about our journey below. About Us

Dating Violence Dating violence is the physical, psychological or sexual abuse of one partner by the other in a dating relationship where the couple is not living together. Abusive relationships have good times and bad times. Part of what makes dating violence so confusing and painful is that there is love mixed with the abuse. This can make it hard to tell if you are really being abuse. Unfortunately, without help, the violence will only get worse. ​ Myths About Dating Violence: ​ Myth: Jealousy is a sign of love. Fact: Jealousy is the most common reason for assaults in dating relationships. When a man continually accuses a woman of flirting or having an affair, and is suspicious of everyone he sees with her, he is possessive and controlling. Myth: I can tell if a guy is going to be a “hitter” just by looking at him. Fact: Abusers come in all sizes and shapes. They are not the stereotypical muscle-bound thugs portrayed in the media. They are in the classroom, at a dance, or living next door. Myth: It’ll never happen to me! Fact: Dating violence can happen to you. It is not limited to a particular social class, or any single ethnic or racial group. Some women are victimized on their first date while others are assaulted after dating for a long time. Everyone is at risk. Myth: Men have the right to expect sexual favors if they pay for dates or if they have a long-standing relationship with a woman. Fact: This myth is particularly persistent among teenagers. In fact, it is unreasonable to expect sex in return for initiating and paying for dates. And not every long-term relationship has to lead to “going all the way”. Sex must be voluntary, and both partners have to agree on when they are ready. ​ Avoiding a bad relationship ​ Communicate Clearly ​ Make clear to your partner how you expect to be treated. Let your partner know you will not tolerate any kind of abuse. Be honest in your communications. Avoid dangerous situations Avoid places where you’ll be alone until you get to know your partner. Double-date or hang-out together with your friends. Let someone know what your plans are for the evening. Be in control Don’t use alcohol or other drugs. These substances can severely hamper your ability to think clearly and act quickly if you find yourself in a dangerous situation. Be careful – Think twice about going out with someone who: Often puts down men/women with comments such as "Girls are so stupid" or "Guys are such jerks". Uses alcohol or other drugs Enjoys pornography and looking at "dirty pictures." Wants to be in control of where you go, what you do, who you see, etc. Gets angry and aggressive easily. Uses physical force. Drives recklessly especially with you in the car. Are you being abused? Are you frightened by your partner’s temper? Are you afraid to disagree? Are you constantly apologizing for your partner’s behavior, especially when they have treated you badly? Do you have to justify everything you do, every place you go, or every person you see just to avoid your partner’s anger? Does your partner put you down, but then tells you that they love you? Have you been forced into having sex when you didn’t want to? Are you afraid to break up because your partner has threatened to hurt you or themselves? Are you being abusive? Will not let your partner talk to other guys, even if they are friends. You are very jealous. Continually criticize what your partner wears and what she/he does. Likes to scare him/her by driving fast or doing reckless things. You think its funny but they don’t. Want to know where she/he is and whom she/he is with at all times. Tell other people about things she/he did or said that embarrasses them or make him/her feel stupid. Get “carried away” during horseplay and hurt her/him or hold her/him down and makes her/him feel helpless until she gives in or feels humiliated. Become very angry about trivial things. (i.e. he/she is not ready on time or he/she is wearing the “wrong” clothes) Criticize her/his friends and tell him/her to stop seeing them Are often depressed or withdrawn, but won’t talk about your feelings. Come from an abusive home. Become angry or violent – particularly when using alcohol or drugs. Force her/him to do anything sexually that they do not want to do – by using physical force, put downs, threats to leave, or other emotional pressures. Continually tell her she is stupid, lazy, fat, ugly, "a slut" and so on Have rigid ideas about what men and women should be and do expect her/him to agree with these ideas. Believe that the man makes the decisions and the woman pleases the man. Make degrading jokes about women or display interest in other women to make you girlfriend scared, upset or jealous. Make threats about hurting her, her friends or pets or family, or threatening suicide if she doesn’t do what you want or say. Or if you have EVER been violent, no matter how sorry you felt afterwards. Adapted from Teen Abuse by Interval House of Hamilton-Wentworth.

Get Help CAWES offers a range of free and confidential services providing specialist support for victims of domestic violence for Red Deer and surrounding communities. 24/7 Toll-Free Helpline: 1-888-346-5643 Programs & Services Start your journey to a new life free from abuse here. Get Internet Safe Learn more about managing your internet browsing history Safety Plan Learn more about managing your internet browsing history ​ You have the right to a healthy relationship! You do not deserve to be abused, and it is not your fault. If the safety of you or your children is at risk, call 911 or CAWES Local: 1-403-346-5643 , Toll Free: 1-888-346-5643 , Crisis Textline: 1-403-506-0485 . Our trained Case Managers are available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week, 365 days-a-year to support you in your journey. We are here to answer your questions, hear your voice, and provide support and advice in a non-judgmental environment. We understand that no two relationships are the same and your situation is unique. Wherever you are, whatever you need – we are here to help. Please call .

Accommodation and Basic Emergency Services Safe, secure, emergency accommodation is provided in a respectful and confidential manner for a maximum stay of 28 days with a licensed occupancy of 40 beds. ​ All services are free. ​ No woman and/or her children will be refused service based on age, sex, race, religion, sexual preference, cultural background or financial status. Food, personal items, non-prescription drugs, and transportation are also provided. CAWES relies on the generosity of the community to maintain these programs and services for women in need. To learn how you can contribute to CAWES , read about our Donation Options , or browse our current Volunteer Opportunities .

Outreach and Follow Up Our Outreach worker provides information, referrals, and support to women affected by domestic violence in Red Deer and surrounding rural communities. Clients may or may not have stayed in the shelter. This program provides essential support and information about family violence, safety planning, and resources available to people experiencing family violence. It also works to empower women with tools and strategies for becoming independent and fulfilled. CAWES relies on the generosity of the community to maintain these programs and services for women in need. To learn how you can contribute to CAWES , read about our Donation Options , or browse our current Volunteer Opportunities .

Recognizing Abuse Domestic abuse (family violence) is when one person in a relationship uses a pattern of behaviors to intentionally control or harm another person. It can happen in heterosexual, same-sex, common-law, separated/divorced and dating relationships. Family violence is present in homes, regardless of race, religion, age, income or education. If you recognize any of the following behaviors in your relationship or think you may be experiencing abuse call us: Local: 1-403-346-5643 , Toll Free: 1-888-346-5643 , Crisis Textline: 1-403-506-0485 . Many people think of family violence or abuse as simply physical: hitting, pushing, slapping, etc., but in fact it can take on many forms. Verbal Abuse Behavior that causes harm with words How it works : Name calling, insults, public humiliation, yelling Early Warning Signs : Teasing that includes insults ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Physical Abuse Behaviors that inflict harm on a person ​ How it works : Slapping, hitting, shoving, grabbing, hair pulling, biting, throwing objects Early Warning Signs : Going into a rage when disappointed or frustrated, teasing, tripping, pushing, threatening to injure. ​ ​ ​ ​ Psychological and Emotional Abuse Behavior intended to cause psychological or emotional distress How it works : Threats, intimidation, put-downs, jealousy, possessiveness, isolating a person from friends and family, destroying gifts, clothing, or letters or damaging a car, home or possessions. ​ Early Warning Signs : Pouting when you spend time with your friends, threatening to leave you in an unsafe location, trying to control what you do. Sexual Abuse Sexual advances that make a person feel uncomfortable; sexual behavior that is unwanted ​ How it works : Insisting physically, or verbally that a person who has said "no", is forced to have sex anyway ​ Early Warning Signs : Using emotional blackmail to talk you into having sex ("if you loved me, you would…") ​ ​ ​

Donate Supporting Survivors: Your Generosity Makes a Difference Empower Change: Support Our Cause Your donation fuels our mission to support and empower women and children to live free from domestic violence. The exceptional level of service that CAWES consistently delivers to its clients is made possible through the generosity of financial contributions from individuals and community-minded businesses like yours. ​ The simplest and most efficient way to contribute is by using the provided donation form. Your support, regardless of the amount, plays a crucial role in saving the lives of women and children in Central Alberta. Ways to Donate By Mail: Please make your cheque or money order payable to: Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter Box 561 Red Deer, AB T4N 5G1 By Phone: We look forward to connecting with you! If you prefer to donate using VISA or MASTERCARD, please feel free to call us at 403-346-5643 PayPal Donate To CAWES Let's create change by donating to CAWES through PayPal. Donate Today! CanadaHelps Donate to CAWES Together, let's make a difference through donating to CAWES through Canada Helps. Donate Today! Stocks & Securities Legacy Giving Life Insurance Other Options Gifts of Stocks & Securities Take advantage of important Capital Gains tax savings with your donation of stocks and/or securities. Your gift will make a significant difference in the lives of families affected by domestic violence at a lower after-tax cost to you. A charitable tax receipt will be issued for the value of the stock on the day the donation was made. Wish lists & In-Kind Gifting Wish Lists ​ CAWES has a year-round wish list for items that will assist and benefit the women and children we help as they begin their journey of rebuilding. Please go our dedicated Wish lists page for further information. ​ ​ In-Kind Gifting ​ We encourage you to consider monetary donations, or gift cards when possible as they offer the greatest amount of flexibility for clients with limited resources. For more information on donating in-kind items to CAWES , please call 403-346-5643 or email us at generalinfo@cawes.com . Alternatively, please use the Wish lists link above to view the essential items we currently need to support our clients. Charitable Tax Receipts ​ As a Registered Charity (Charitable Status Number: 10688 5437 RR0001), we are authorized to issue receipts to be used to claim a charitable tax credit (individual donations) or tax deduction (corporate donations). All donations of $20 or over will be issued a charitable tax receipt. We are not able to issue charitable tax receipts for in-kind donations, unless a purchase receipt is provided. ​ For more information on charitable tax benefits, visit http://www.canada.ca/charities-giving

Tammy's Story If it helps one woman... ​ I didn’t grow up physically abused. Middle class home, mom was home dad worked. I never saw my father hit my mom physically, but emotionally he was a monster. I was never quite good enough in anything I did, that goes for my siblings as well. That set me up for many years of abuse and never feeling good enough. ​ The first time a man hit me I was 15, he was 21.We lived together for almost a year. It ended with me leaving and him burning and giving away everything I had. He did everything possible to make my life hell. I left my home province because of it. ​ Fast forward 4 years. I met my now ex-husband. A one night stand turned into a pregnancy, a loveless marriage and 18 years of severe physical and mental abuse. He was a drinker and later a prescription drug junkie on top of it. It started with mental abuse, not coming home, calling me names, all the warning signs. I’ll never forget the first time he hit me, with my son in my arms who at the time was 3 months old. From there it just got worse. I was living in BC in his home town. I had no friends and was 10 years younger than him, and not a drinker at all. He said I was unsociable, an introvert, I didn’t know how to have a good time. As it turns out he had many good times without me. ​ Over the course of 18 years we lived in 3 different regions of BC. My home was always on the radar map for the police, who were called often, not only by me but my neighbors, who on many occasions got to listen to me scream as he was beating me. Looking them in the face was a humiliating thing for me on a daily basis, they knew! ​ My family was slowly being phased out of my life. He did not want my mother around, after a while neither did I. I did not want to subject her to him whose sarcasm cut like a knife. It wasn’t until I left that my relationship with my mother, who listened to me for years, was mended. ​ His family pretended it didn’t happen and didn’t exist. One night he was supposed to be home so I could go to work, he didn’t show up. I knew where he was. I went down to the local bar where he was sitting with another woman. I went up to him and he told me to fu** off. I slapped him across the face. He called the police and had ME ARRESTED. Wow, fingerprinted, photographed the whole nine yards. The female officer had my file and knew that I was abused. Goodness knows they had been to my house many times and my ex had been in the drunk tank more than once. She apologized to me but the system had to play itself out. I was released into the custody of my mother. I was not allowed to go home for the weekend. They got me a court date ASAP for the Monday. I went home anyway, he was passed out drunk and I grabbed my son who at this time was now 7. No charges were filed against me, the case was dropped by the crown. That did not stop him from trying to convince the police afterwards that I was crazy and unstable. So I found out in a series of voice messages he left for the officer. I called his sister and told her what was going on. Her response "he would never do that". Nice. More than once throughout this relationship I thought this is it he’s going to kill me, all its going to take is one more blow to the head or one more kick when he had me down. I have many horrific stories about what he did to me, and what I allowed him to do to me. Yes, I do take responsibility for my part, I stayed. ​ I'll never forget an incident that took place in his local watering hole. Friday 6pm, he again was going to make me late for my job. I went down and went over to him. Everyone we knew was there. He said some choice words then he spit on me. Everyone saw it and no one, not one person said anything to him, not one. Turns out as fate has a way on showing up, when he spit on me, my best friend’s brother from high school saw it. She called me the next day. “I know what happened last night” she said, “Kevin saw it” I broke down. It was the first time I really talked about it with anyone besides my mother. ​ My son saw and heard things a child should never here. Things a teenager should never see or witness. I know it affects him to this day. Two weeks before his graduation his father grabbed me from behind drunk and started slamming my head into the wall, he wouldn’t stop. This time my son was home. He pulled his father off of me. My son took care of me that night, battered, bloodied and bruised. Had he not been home I don’t think I would be writing this now. ​ It was also the last time my ex-husband laid a finger on me. ​ As Dr.Phil put it “children would rather be from a broken home than live in one." My son is a testament to that statement. He said to me recently, “why didn’t you take me and leave, why did you stay, we would have been fine mom, we would have been happy." I have many horrific stories I could tell about my abuse by the hands of this man just like any woman who has been abused, the song remains the same. I divorced him, in order to do so I gave up most of what I had worked for over 18 years. Was it worth it....absolutely. Near the end of my marriage, the beautiful house, all the nice things meant nothing. Four walls with stuff. The price of my freedom was in fact priceless. ​ I am now with a man who loves me and cares for me deeply. Something I had a hard time accepting simply because of what I had been through. We all have our reasons for staying in these situations, fear being the biggest one in my opinion, uncertainty, low self esteem, the list goes on and on. Is there light at the end of the tunnel? YES. It’s been a long road to recovery but the point is I am recovering. I have my days when old ghosts haunt me and I find myself slipping into memories of events I wish I could forget. ​ I will be 42 this year. It’s been 3years, 2months and 25 days since my last beating that could have ended my life. Left my parents without a daughter, my siblings without a sister, and my son without a mother. ​ ​ You.Are.Amazing. As. you. are. Stronger than you know. More beautiful than you think. Worthier than you believe. More loved than you can ever imagine. Passionate about making a difference. Fiery when protecting those you love. Learning. Growing. Not alone. Warm. Giving. Generous. Quirky. Sexy. Funny. Smart. Flawed. Whole. Scared. Brave. And so, so, so.much.more. Be Strong. Be Confident. Be You. Donate

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Memberships Supporting Survivors: Your Generosity Makes a Difference Become a member of CAWES to show your support of our organization. The annual fee for membership is just $20.00. To join, or renew your membership, simply download the forms from the links below: Membership Application Membership Renewal Please upload your complete form using the link below or mail your form using the address provided: Upload ​ Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Emergency Shelter PO Box 561 Red Deer, AB T4N 5G1 CAWES relies on the generosity of the community to maintain our programs and services for women & children in need. To learn how you can contribute to CAWES , follow the link below to our donation options or Host a Fundraiser . Your involvement makes a s significant difference in the lives of those we aim to assist. Donate Today!

Supporters Supporting Survivors: Your Generosity Makes a Difference Meet Our Valued Partners: Champions in the Fight Against Domestic Violence Welcome to our Supporters Page at Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter ! We are profoundly grateful for the support from organizations and individuals who share our commitment to providing safety, empowerment, and hope to those in need. Together, we form a community dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and fostering a future where every woman can rebuild her life. Explore the logos below to discover the incredible partners who stand with us in creating a world free from abuse. Your generosity is instrumental in making a lasting impact on the lives of those seeking refuge and healing. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey. CAWES relies on the generosity of the community to maintain our programs and services for women & children in need. To learn how you can contribute to CAWES , follow the link below to our donation options or Host a Fundraiser . Your involvement makes a s significant difference in the lives of those we aim to assist. Donate Today!