Police say economic downturn tied to increasing domestic abuse in Calgary
CALGARY — Police say domestic violence in Calgary is on the rise at least partially as a result of a severe economic downturn that has cost thousands of jobs in the oil and gas industry.
Figures released by the Calgary Police Service Tuesday show officers have responded to 2,796 domestic violence calls in 2016 and the number has been increasing for the past three years.
“This is a 36 per cent increase over the average and we have not seen domestic violence rates this high since 2004,” said Staff Sgt. Rob Davidson of the Calgary police domestic conflict unit.
“What is important to remember is that these numbers represent families — victims and children — who are impacted and experiencing domestic violence.”