The City marks Sexual Violence Awareness Month
Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a 40 per cent increase in calls to Alberta One Line sexual violence help line. This is a 40 per cent increase over the same time last year.
May is Sexual Violence Awareness month in Alberta. The City of Calgary has added new online resource to The City’s COVID-19 response pages that brings together community resources and supports to help people who are experiencing domestic and sexual violence.
COVID-19 can add to extra stress on people, like unemployment or financial stress. According to Alberta One Line, social isolation can also increase risk to personal safety through domestic and sexual violence. People are in isolation, and no longer have the same ways to connect in person with friends and family which can make it harder to reach out for help when they need to.
The online resources available on Calgary.ca include numbers to call if you are experiencing domestic or sexual violence, or if you suspect a friend or loved one is being abused. As a community, we need to let survivors of sexual violence know: We believe you and it’s not your fault. When you’re ready, there’s a safe place to call.
The Alberta One Line helpline number is 1-866-403-8000. Please visit The City’s webpage for a list of other community resources.
-30-