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?"