Women’s shelters in Alberta provide essential services for those fleeing domestic violence. With more funding, shelters will be able to expand supports and continue caring for women and families in their communities.
The government is providing $1.6 million to support prevention programs including expanded counselling supports for men who want to change their behaviours and expanded support provided by Sagesse to help individuals apply for information disclosure under Clare’s Law. This funding will also help women’s shelters provide food to the women and children they serve.
“Our government is grateful for the partnership we have with so many organizations that support women and families fleeing violence. With more support going into the sector, we are taking an approach that is not only reactive but also preventative to help stop domestic violence before it happens.”
“These investments are providing critical supports to help women and families fleeing violence and end the cycle of domestic abuse. I am glad to continue advocating for women in Alberta, ensuring that our government continues to provide the support they need.”
Providing support for men to change
Alberta’s government is providing $700,000 over two years to FearIsNotLove to support the Men’s Counselling Program and the Men& project. The counselling program helps men overcome anger and abusive behaviours in a safe, respectful and non-judgmental environment through individual and group counselling sessions.
The Men& project is an online resource providing information and support to men who want to improve their relationships and mental health.
“We are grateful for the provincial government’s support through the food security grant for the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter Program. We are also grateful for the incredible support of the Men& project, which will connect men to interactive resources and a helpline. Men& builds relationship capacities and the skills to build intimacy and connection, helping them overcome violent behaviours.”
Supporting Clare’s Law applicants
Alberta’s government will provide a one-time grant of $450,000 to Sagesse to increase the supports offered to Albertans who make a Clare’s Law application for disclosure. The funding will help Sagesse increase awareness of the program, provide more training and enhance the network of services and supports for applicants.
“Clare’s Law has proven to be an important avenue to connect Albertans to the help they need to lead safe and healthy lives. With this additional funding, we will be able to continue to deliver a robust, timely and coordinated response to the diverse and complex needs of Albertans impacted by abuse.”
Support for women’s emergency shelters
Alberta’s government is providing $500,000 to emergency women’s shelters to help increase their capacity to source nutritious food for shelter clients. Funding will be provided directly to shelters with allocations based on the number of clients served.
Help is available to anyone experiencing any form of family violence. Immediate, 24-7 support is available by calling or texting the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 or using the online chat alberta.ca/SafetyChat. Calls can be answered in more than 170 languages.
Budget 2023 secures Alberta’s future by transforming the health-care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.
Quick facts
- Budget 2023 provides $55.1 million for women’s emergency shelters.
- Funding supports programming for and the operations of 31 women’s emergency shelters, 17 second-stage shelters, two seniors shelters, three outreach agencies and five fee-for-service shelters in First Nation communities.
- Clare’s Law was implemented on April 1, 2021.
- From April 1, 2021 to Feb. 28, 2023, 430 unique applicants have requested social services supports.