Family Violence Awareness and Support

Family violence can affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. It can happen in intimate relationships, between family members, or within the home, and it often has lasting impacts on emotional, mental, physical, and financial well being.

At FCSS, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported. Raising awareness about family violence helps reduce stigma, encourages conversations, and reminds people that help is available.

Family violence is not always physical. It can take many different forms, and some signs may be difficult to recognize at first.

Types of Family Violence

Emotional or Psychological Abuse This can include constant criticism, threats, humiliation, manipulation, controlling behavior, or making someone feel fearful or isolated.

Physical Abuse Any form of physical harm such as hitting, pushing, grabbing, restraining, or damaging property.

Financial Abuse Controlling access to money, preventing someone from working, taking financial resources, or creating financial dependence.

Verbal Abuse Yelling, name calling, intimidation, or repeated harmful comments that affect someone’s self esteem and emotional safety.

Social Isolation Preventing someone from seeing family, friends, or participating in activities and community connections.

Digital Abuse Using phones, social media, or technology to monitor, threaten, control, or harass someone.

Recognizing the Signs

Family violence may not always be obvious. Some warning signs can include:

• Withdrawal from friends and family

• Changes in mood, confidence, or behavior

• Fearfulness around a partner or family member

• Frequent check ins or monitoring by another person

• Unexplained injuries or excuses for injuries

• Loss of independence or control over finances and decisions

People experiencing violence may feel afraid, ashamed, confused, or uncertain about what to do next. Support and understanding can make a meaningful difference.

The Importance of Community Support

Strong communities help create safer environments for individuals and families. Listening without judgment, offering support, and connecting people to resources can help reduce isolation and encourage individuals to seek help.

Sometimes simply knowing someone cares can be the first step toward safety and healing.

Reaching Out for Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, support is available. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

You do not have to go through difficult situations alone.

At FCSS, we are committed to helping individuals and families connect with appropriate resources, supports, and services in a caring and respectful way.

Resources and Support

Emergency AssistanceCall 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

Family Violence Information Line (Alberta)Call or text 310-1818Available 24 hours a day with confidential support and referrals.

Alberta One Line for Sexual Violence1-866-403-8000

Kids Help PhoneCall or text 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868

Abuse Helpline

 1-855-4HELPAB (435-5722)

Men’s Helpline

1-833-327-MENS (6367)

True North

1-877-939-6634Crisis intervention, emergency shelter,

and outreach services.

Connect Helpline

1-866-606-7233Counselling, safety planning, and referrals

for anyone experiencing abuse.

Local FCSS SupportFCSS can help connect individuals and families with counselling, community resources, and local support services. 403-443-3800

No one deserves to experience violence or abuse. Support, safety, and hope are available.