211 and Domestic Violence – Help is Just a Phone Call Away
Sometimes, Domestic Violence is obvious. You can see or hear a couple arguing. Words and physical actions are getting out of control and someone is being hurt either mentally or physically. You intervene, you call 911, or sometimes just ignore it, blaming the victim or hoping the people involved can sort themselves out. You tell yourself it’s “not your business”.
Other witnesses want to help, but don’t know how, or where to go for information. An emergency underway should be called in to 911 for immediate help. If no one is in immediate danger, and you suspect someone ie: a neighbour, relative, or friend is experiencing domestic violence, calling 211 on your phone will connect you to agencies and services that can help you assist the victim.
Domestic Violence is not always visible. It can be verbal, physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, spiritual, economic and the violation of rights (Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters). Anyone can be affected, and often victims aren’t able to find a way to leave the situation they are in.
Here are three examples of how 211 has worked in Red Deer to help people escape domestic violence. Remember, if someone is in immediate danger, you must call 911.