Abuse and Violence

Abuse and violence can take many forms: physical, psychological, verbal, financial. The resources in the following sections can help if you or someone you know is being treated badly.

In the Family

  • Information on abuse and violence that occurs between family members (spouses, parents, children) of all ages who may live in the same household.

In a Relationship

  • Information on abuse and violence that occurs between people who are dating.

In the Workplace

  • Information on abuse and violence that occurs among co-workers at or outside the workplace. It can involve physical aggression, sexual acts, threats of violence, verbal abuse, harassment, and assault.

In the Community

  • Information on abuse and violence that affects the entire community, such as gang violence, as well as random violence.

CPLEA Suggested Resources

Not sure where to begin finding answers to your questions. Get started with our suggested resources. See additional resources below for more information.

The purpose of this site is to provide plain language information about the law to victims of violence in intimate relationships and their supporters. Willownet provides legal information that may help you if you are experiencing violence in a relationship. The site has information that is helpful on: facts about abuse, effects of relationship violence, what the law says about abuse, leaving the relationship safely (safety plan), taking your kids with you, pets, Protective Orders (EPOs, KBPOs) and going to court. The site also provides links to other family violence resources.

Related legal topic(s): Bullying, Child abuse, Elder abuse, Family violence general resources, Protective orders, Relationship violence, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Spousal abuse

This kit has been designed for landlords, property managers and anyone else who works on-site or has access to residential rental units. It will help you understand the role you can play in preventing domestic violence on your premises. It also provides basic information on dealing with domestic violence when it does occur. For more CPLEA resources on abuse and violence in a relationship see: www.willownet.ca and www.cplea.ca/publications/abuse-and-family-violence/

Related legal topic(s): Family violence general resources, Landlord and tenant, Protective orders, Relationship violence, Spousal abuse

This online tutorial was created by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta. There are several different kinds of protective orders. Some are available under federal law (the Criminal Code of Canada); some are available under provincial laws. If you have been abused and want the abuser to stay away from you, you can apply for protective court orders. These court orders tell the abuser to stay away. If the abuser then does not stay away, he or she can be punished.

Related legal topic(s): Elder abuse, Family violence general resources, Legal process, Protective orders

Alberta Resources

This website of the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA) focuses on how Canadian law protects and affects older adults. Topic areas covered include elder abuse, planning for the future, personal and family relationships, and various other issues (e.g. consumer, travel).

Related legal topic(s): Consumer protection and fraud, Elder abuse, Family law general resources, Guardianship and trusteeship, Wills and estates

Calgary Counselling Centre is a charitable organization committed to providing compassionate, professional, and affordable counselling services to Calgarians. They offer counselling and group programs for individuals, couples, parents, families, and youth to help them resolve emotional and social problems. In addition to its may group and individual program services the Centre also offers a Male Domestic Abuse Outreach Program which provides counselling, advocacy, social service referrals (housing, financial aid, legal guidance, support) to men and their families experiencing domestic abuse of all forms.

Related legal topic(s): Divorce and separation, Drugs and alcohol, Elder abuse, Family violence general resources, Health issues, Relationship violence, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment

Catholic Social Services is a multi-function social service agency that serves people of all faiths and cultures throughout central Alberta. Founded in 1961, the agency has grown to deliver more than 100 programs.CSS is divided into Service and Program areas offered in five distinct Regions throughout central and northeast Alberta. Major Service areas include: Children, Family, and Community Service,Community Outreach and Disability Service, Immigration and Settlement Service, and Substance Abuse and Corrections Service.

Related legal topic(s): Corrections, Disabilities, Drugs and alcohol, Immigration, Mediation and alternative dispute resolution, Parole, Refugees, Reintegration

Free Domestic Violence resource that CPLEA offers that are available in either Print or as a Download. 

These resources provide general legal information to those dealing with Domestic Violence in Alberta. These material do NOT provide legal advice! 

Related legal topic(s): Family violence general resources, Protective orders, Relationship violence, Sexual assault, Spousal abuse, Victim support and victim rights

This service is offered by the Government of Alberta, Family Violence Prevention Unit. Trained staff can help get you to safety and give you information on supports and financial aid. 

If you think someone you know is experiencing family violence, reach out by calling or texting the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818, toll-free 24/7, or using the confidential online chat. Phone services are available in more than 170 languages.

Related legal topic(s): Child abuse, Family violence general resources, Protective orders, Relationship violence, Victim support and victim rights

This section of the Government of Alberta: Family Violence website is dedicated to the prevention of family violence and bullying. The page provides activities and resources to help prevent family violence and domestic violence, and support healthy relationships.

Related legal topic(s): Elder abuse, Family violence general resources

Sagesse assists women who have experienced domestic violence or are at risk of being abused. They empower individuals, organizations and communities to break the cycle of domestic violence by curating environments to heal and lead safe, healthy lives . The literal translation of Sagesse is wisdom.The agency encourages the wisdom to seek help, to support and connect, to share knowledge, to self-reflect, and lastly, to create space for healing, learning, and growth.

Related legal topic(s): Family violence general resources, Spousal abuse

Canada/Federal

The Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous people across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are reachable by telephone and online ‘chat’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Telephone support is available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Online Chat services are only available in English and French. 

Related legal topic(s): Aboriginal law, Family violence general resources, Health issues, Relationship violence, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment

The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is a National Indigenous Organization representing the political voice of Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people in Canada, inclusive of First Nations on and off reserve, status and non-status, disenfranchised, Métis and Inuit. NWAC works on a variety of issues such as employment, labour and business, health, violence prevention and safety, justice and human rights, environment, early learning childcare and international affairs.

Related legal topic(s): Family violence general resources, Human rights, Relationship violence, Workers' rights and employment standards

The Canadian Network of Women's Shelters and Transition Houses new online resource which provides women and their children with a one stop connection to help in their community.

Related legal topic(s): Elder abuse, Family violence general resources, Relationship violence, Spousal abuse

CPLEA Resources

Learn about laws on Abuse in Alberta.  LawNow regularly publishes up to date articles on Abuse and the law in Alberta.

Related legal topic(s): Child abuse