The overall rate of police-reported family violence increased for the 3rd consecutive year, rising 13% over this period as per Statistics Canada. The stressors from COVID-19 have done nothing but exacerbated this issue.
Effective April 1, 2021, Alberta has now become the second province in Canada to introduce “Clare’s Law” – known in Alberta as the Disclosure to Protect against Domestic Violence Act, SA 2019 c. D-13.5. This Act is aimed at supporting victims of domestic violence by allowing them to get information about their partner’s so they can make informed choices about their safety.
Family violence is a crime. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 911. There is also a Family Violence Info Line (403-310-1818) to get help anonymously in more than 170 languages.
For more information and resources, please refer to the Government of Alberta webpage: https://www.alberta.ca/clares-law.aspx AND https://www.alberta.ca/family-violence-find-supports.aspx
A copy of the Domestic Violence Act can also be found here: https://qp.alberta.ca/documents/Acts/d13p5.pdf#domesticviolenceawareness#caselaw#alberta#familylaw
Family Law Solutions, Foster Dickson O'Brien 