General

The number of women in crisis in Calgary soars

Shelters see 300 per cent increase in the number of calls for help over last year

The number of women seeking help from Calgary shelters is escalating at an alarming rate, with three times as many calls being placed to the area’s shelters over the last year. Advocates say the tough economic times are one factor for the spike. Last month alone, 1,366 calls were made to the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter help line. With shelters full, counsellors and outreach crisis workers have had to place women and children in hotels. Police statistics are also troubling, indicating that more than 12,000 domestic violence calls are made annually, and three to five children in every Calgary classroom have seen their mothers assaulted.

The Calgary Sun

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