Pets

There is a proven link between family violence and animal abuse, as the person using abusive behaviours often uses the family pet as a form of control. As a result, many victims find themselves having to decide whether to remain with their abusive person and stay with their pet, or escape the abusive person and leave their pet behind.

Fortunately, recognizing the seriousness of this issue, Alberta’s SPCA developed their Pet Safekeeping Program to eliminate this barrier. The program allows people to flee with their pet and have their pet fostered until it safe to be reunited.

To access this program, connect with a Family Violence Specialist at The Today Centre.

Transportation

We understand that getting to a safe place or even finding the right resources can be challenging for victims of violence, regardless of where they live.

By recognizing the different barriers victims face, The Today Centre developed the Safety in Motion program which provides our clients with the means to access transportation through the provision of bus tickets, taxi fares, or gas cards. While some clients express a preference in meeting with their Family Violence Specialist in person, they are also able to provide support over the phone, video chat, and live chat.

Language

In addition to experiencing the issues and fears that accompany family violence, immigrants can also face a language barrier which can prevent them from being able to access resources and support.

To mitigate this barrier, The Today Centre can arrange for interpretation during your sessions with a Family Violence Specialist. We also offer our information pamphlet and family violence information booklet (The Today Booklet) in 7 different languages. Lastly, we can also support in the translation of important documents (for example: court papers).

Communication

There are many reasons why someone may not be able to call for help - an abusive person has limited an individual’s access to a phone, monitors their phone use, or doesn’t allow their partner to have a cellphone.

With these barriers in mind, The Today Centre created the Lives on the Line program which provides talk and text minutes and a cell phone to victims of family violence who have no other means of communication.

Basic Needs

The ability to meet one’s basic needs can strongly impact the decisions individuals make. It can potentially dictate whether a person leaves or stays in an abusive relationship.

With the Safe at Last program, we can support individuals experiencing family violence to meet essential basic needs by providing additional financial supports.

Legal

The legal aspects of leaving a family violence situation can be frightening and confusing. That’s why our Family Violence Specialists can provide legal resources for clients to explore. The Today Centre has also partnered with Student Legal Services of Edmonton for clients to discuss legal questions.

Fear

Fear can be a very overwhelming barrier to people experiencing family violence. Because every situation is different, these are just a few examples of what might be holding someone back from leaving:

• Fear the abuser might hurt or kidnap their children or pets

• Fear the abuser might try to commit suicide or homicide

• Fear of the financial hardships that may accompany leaving

Whatever a person’s situation is, connecting with a Family Violence Specialist can help. Through safe and confidential discussion, Family Violence Specialists provide emotional support, information, tools and resources to help put people experiencing family violence on a path to safety.