When a person is in crisis, they need immediate care.
That means knowing who to call to be connected directly to the support they need when they need it.
Crisis hotlines are a lifeline for survivors. Alberta’s government is committed to providing the critical support services survivors need the moment they need it.
In partnership with Women and Gender Equality Canada, $3 million is being directed to 211 to ensure that the crisis supports Albertans need are there when they need them. This investment will help continue to build a reliable, streamlined 24/7 service that connects Albertans to the resources that serve their urgent needs.
This new funding will help improve service coordination with the wrap-around supports that gender-based violence survivors need, such as counselling, health care and legal services, among many others.
Alberta’s government is committed to preventing gender-based violence in our province by shifting to a culture of consent, engaging men and boys, improving our response to gender-based violence and supporting survivors. This funding is an important step towards that commitment.
Here is what you need to know:
- 211 is an essential service that helps Albertans find the right resource at the right time. 211 provides information and referral to a wide range of community, social, health and government services, no matter where they live.
- Regarding gender-based violence, 211 helps callers navigate the required wraparound supports, including shelters, counselling, health care and legal services.
- Sexual violence is the most under-reported crime in Canada.
- It is estimated that 94 percent of sexual violence survivors do not report their assaults to the police.
- While anyone can experience sexual violence, most incidents occur against women and girls.
- 47 percent of survivors in Canada are between the ages of 15 and 24.
