Domestic violence incidents in Calgary to reach 5-year high

November is Family Violence Prevention Month, and Calgary police say the issue is becoming more prevalent in the city.

Statistics from the department show domestic violence in the city is set to reach a five year high.

In the first nine months of 2025, there were 3,592 domestic incidents reported to Calgary police. The five-year average over the same time period was 3,163.

Domestic conflict incidents from January to September of this year reached 14.616, higher than the five-year average of 14,193.

Calgary police say these numbers don’t include children (under the age of 18) and seniors (over the age of 65).

Also on the rise are the number of male victims — the department says that amount has gone up in each of the last three years — 2023, 2024, and 2025 — and is on pace to exceed the five-year average. However, men still make up less than a third of total domestic violence victims.

Data shows another trend emerging, police say an increasing number of these incidents are happening after a relationship ends.

Most victims are between the ages of 25 and 44.

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) Domestic Conflict Unit explains it works proactively to investigate domestic violence offences and work with partner agencies, track trends, facilitate community discussion, advocate for social supports, conduct risk assessments, monitor high-risk offenders, and prevent further harm by targeting offenders.

“Exiting an abusive relationship can be incredibly difficult — and as the statistics show, it can also be incredibly dangerous,” said Staff Sgt. Glenn Andruschuk with the Domestic Conflict Unit. “Today, we are encouraging victims of domestic violence to reach out if they need help.”

One call made all the difference for Calgarian Candace, a survivor of domestic abuse.

“When I escaped a violent domestic relationship, my first call was to the Calgary Police,” she said. “I will never forget the compassion and care given when I had to give my statement. Because of their kindness, I am still here today.”

Another part of Calgary police’s domestic violence work is the Domestic Violence Review and Assignment Team (DVRAT), which reads all domestic files and uses professional judgement to triage calls by identifying high-risk files.

The service is also part of the High Risk Management Initiative with several community groups that identify the most high-risk offenders in the community and work together to monitor and manage them through engagement, suppression, and enforcement.

Resources

Calgarians experiencing abuse or violence in an intimate or family relationship are always encouraged to reach out for help. There are countless agencies ready to offer support that can be contacted by calling 211.

• The Domestic Violence and Abuse Helpline is available 24/7 at 403-234-SAFE (7233).
• FearIsNotLove co-ordinates the Men& program offering a variety of resources for men available by calling 1-833-327-MENS (6367).
• Calgarians can also call the Government of Alberta’s Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 which is available 24/7 and in more than 170 languages from anywhere in Alberta. If phone calls are not available to you, we encourage you to use the Alberta Safety Chat Line, which is available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. MST in English.
• Victims of domestic violence can also contact the Calgary Police Service anytime by calling the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234, or 9-1-1 if you are in immediate danger.