Why Family Violence Prevention Matters Year-Round
At Radiance Family Society, we believe every person deserves to feel safe, respected and supported—not only during times of crisis, but every day of the year.
While family violence can happen at any time, changes in routine, financial pressures, increased time at home and reduced access to support networks—such as schools, workplaces and community programs—can intensify existing abuse or make it more difficult to seek help. These circumstances may arise during the summer, school breaks, holidays or other periods of change.
By learning to recognize the signs of abuse and how to respond with care, we can help reduce harm and create safer communities where violence is not normalized, and those experiencing abuse feel less alone.
Prevention also goes beyond recognizing signs of family violence. Prevention includes shaping the culture around us so harmful attitudes and behaviours are less likely to be ignored, accepted, or repeated.
Culture influences how people talk about violence, how seriously concerns are taken, and whether someone feels safe asking for help. Every member of a workplace or community plays a role in shaping that culture through the language we use, the behaviours we challenge, and the support we offer.
Thrive Survey – Help us strengthen prevention in Christian communities
Radiance Family Society’s Thrive Survey is designed to help us better understand how family violence can be prevented and addressed within Christian communities.
By completing the survey, you can help us identify needs, strengthen resources, and create safer, more compassionate faith communities where people impacted by violence or abuse are heard, believed and supported.
Prevention Training Workshops
Preventing family violence begins with you. Radiance Family Society offers workshops and webinars that help individuals, workplaces and community groups recognize the signs of abuse, respond with empathy and connect people with appropriate support.
By booking a session, you can gain practical knowledge and feel more confident supporting someone who may be experiencing family violence. Together, we can help create safer, more informed and compassionate communities.
To book a workshop or webinar, contact communications@radiancesociety.ca.
Recognizing possible signs of abuse
Although every experience is different, possible signs that someone may be experiencing abuse include:
- Experience sudden changes in their behaviour, appearance or routine
- Seem unusually fearful, anxious, withdrawn or sad
- Have difficulty concentrating at work or school
- Become increasingly isolated from friends, family or community activities
- Have limited access to money or little control over financial decisions
- Frequently check in with their partner or appear afraid of upsetting them
- Have a partner who speaks for them, monitors them or makes disruptive visits to their workplace
- Have unexplained injuries or explanations that do not seem consistent with the injuries
One sign alone does not necessarily mean someone is experiencing abuse. However, noticing changes and responding with care can create an opportunity for connection.
How to Support Someone Experiencing Abuse
If you are concerned about someone, choose a private and safe moment to check in. You might say:
“I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately, and I’m concerned about you. Is everything okay?”
It takes tremendous courage to speak about abuse. If someone chooses to confide in you, your response matters. Believe them and respond with empathy.
Let them know:
- You believe them
- The abuse is not their fault
- They do not deserve to be treated this way
- You are concerned about their safety
- Support is available when they are ready
You do not need to have every answer. Listening, believing and helping them connect with trained professionals can be an important first step.
Professional Supports for Families Experiencing Violence in Alberta
Trained professionals are here to help individuals understand their options, develop a safety plan and access appropriate services.
- Immediate danger: Call 911
- Connect Domestic Violence and Abuse Helpline: 403-234-7233 (SAFE) or 1-866-606-7233
- Family Violence Info Line: Call or text 310-1818, available 24/7 in multiple languages
- Men’s Resource Line: 1-833-327-6367 or menand.ca
- Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters: 1-866-331-3933 or find a shelter
- Distress Centre Calgary: 403-266-4357
- Technology safety resources: techsafety.ca
If someone’s devices may be monitored, encourage them to access online resources using a safer device when possible.
Together, we can help create a safer future
Radiance Family Society is committed to a future free from violence. Prevention is an essential part of that work—and everyone can play a role.
By learning the signs, responding with empathy and connecting people with professional support, we can help build communities rooted in care, courage, collaboration and hope.