ShelterLink connects domestic violence victims to safe spaces and support

Thanks to an app launched by support organizations for victims of domestic violence in Calgary, an average of seven women a day find a safe place to stay.

Most recently, since expanding the program last March, it has been entrusted to Calgary Police Service officers to help build on this success.

ShelterLink is an app used by CPS officers, YW Calgary staff and Fear Is Not Love to provide victims of domestic violence with a safe haven or to offer support to those who feel threatened by violence.

The app was created to provide immediate access to key spaces and create a process that makes it easy to connect with the most conveniently located and equipped space to address current concerns, according to Talia Bell, Chief Programs and People Officer at YW Calgary. It allows users to instantly determine the capacity of different shelters.

“The initial response has been great, and I think the main reason we developed this app was because we knew there were barriers and that there was an immediate need for space in some cases,” Bell said.

“It was about how we can make sure there are no wrong doors to open and that there is an immediate assessment of what is available.”

The crisis line is the entry point

YW Calgary and FearIsNotLove share a crisis line that is in constant contact 24/7 and receives calls that vary depending on the domestic violence situation.

“On average we probably get between 2,000 and 3,000 calls a month, the great thing is that now we also have a coordinated response that can ensure that people get the support they need,” Bell said.

Reports of domestic violence come from all city quadrants and neighborhoods. The topic is not always just about domestic violence.

“Not everyone needs shelter. A lot of people need safety planning, outreach support, maybe counseling, so we’ve been able to wrap our heads around that and really understand what’s needed in terms of space in this community,” Bell said.

ShelterLink receives more than 20,000 calls a year based on shelters in and around Calgary. There are currently 15 shelters using ShelterLink, Bell said.

The app is set to expand to several shelters in Edmonton and YW Calgary. FearIsNotLove also works with Alberta Health Services because emergency rooms are often the first choice for support.

As the app continues to grow in terms of outreach programs and offers support in a variety of domestic violence situations, the YW Calgary team and FearIsNotLove continue to contribute to ShelterLink’s success.

“We are committed to using data to make these decisions, which I think just helps us create a better community that is safer and more responsive,” Bell said.

If you need help with a domestic violence situation or know someone who does, you can call the YW Crisis Hotline at 403-266-0707.