Alberta's rate of spousal assault continues to be the highest rates in Canada at 11% compared to 8% for the country as a whole.

In Alberta, 5,601 women and 5,766 dependent children were sheltered in 30 provincially-funded shelters in 2002/03.  That is an increase of 8% in women and 4% in children compared to the previous year.

In 2003/03, 6,122 spousal abuse incidents were reported to police in Alberta and 3,892 charges were laid.  In this same period, six women were killed by their partners or ex-partners.

Between 1991 and 2001, police were aware of a history of domestic violence between the accused and the victim in 59% of all spousal homicide cases.

During the same peroid, 5,056 women and 5,517 children of abused women were not accomodated and had to be referred to other community-based services because shelters were full.

Children who witness violence in the home face an increaced risk of behavioural and developmental problems, as well as emotional disorders such as depression, fear or anxiety (Statistics Canada, 2000).  These children often exhibit physical aggression and are at greater risk of becoming victims and perpetrators of family violence themselves.

In spite of these facts, one of the most prevalent and enduring myths about family violence is that the abuse is overstated;  otherwise, women would choose to leave.  The truth is that the obstacles to leaving an abusive relashionship can be so formidable that the question, rather, becomes "how do women ever manage to leave?"