According to a government release, issued May 13, the strategy is focused on “building an understanding around what appropriate behaviour is, raising awareness on every form of gender-based violence and increasing coordination across all sectors.”
The strategy, which was informed by “extensive engagement with more than 500 Albertans and organizations,” included consultation with “survivors, community organizations working on the front lines, Indigenous communities and academics.”
Carol Moen, president and CEO of Women Building Futures, stressed that “by prioritizing financial empowerment and Indigenous-led solutions, this strategy will help more Alberta women avoid or leave high-risk situations.”
“Women Building Futures applauds the Government of Alberta for this farsighted, whole-of-government approach to the pervasive and complex problem of gender-based violence,” she asserted.
According to the release, the strategy “complements and enhances existing initiatives such as the Premier’s Council on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit Plus People and the Human Trafficking Action Plan to address the root causes of gender-based violence and prevent it before it occurs.”
The strategy will:
- “Increase awareness of what gender-based violence is and what Albertans should do when they see it.
- Prevent gender-based violence before it begins by addressing its underlying causes and implementing early-intervention strategies.
- Empower women to be economically independent, supporting them with financial and social resources to achieve true financial independence, enabling them to live safely and build strong, independent lives.
- Support Indigenous-led solutions and incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing and being into programs that address the unique needs, lived experiences and practices of Indigenous people, families and communities.
- Support those affected how, where and when they need it, with timely, culturally informed, accessible and responsive support for survivors, families, those at risk, perpetrators and potential perpetrators, ensuring they receive the help they need in their own communities.”
The provincial 2025 budget will invest $19.8 million to support Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-based Violence.
According to the release, this funding will be used to “make targeted investments to ensure provincial programs are coordinated, collaborative, effective and sustainable.”
Mickey Amery, Alberta’s minister of justice, noted that the justice system “must be a place where survivors of gender-based violence feel heard, protected and supported.”
“This strategy is a critical step towards building a safer Alberta where accountability and compassion go hand in hand,” he added.
Searle Turton, minister of children and family services, also noted that the provincial government is “leading the charge to eradicate domestic and family violence in our communities.”
He said the strategy will “empower and support the important work of women’s shelters and sexual assault centres to ensure that every woman and child is protected and able to receive the supports they need.”
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