Dr. Peter Nieman, a community-based pediatrician practicing since 1987, sheds light on a deeply concerning pattern in Canadian society: the profound and lasting impact of domestic violence on children. He describes it as a pervasive shadow over young lives, where children feel powerless to fix the turmoil within their own homes.
Alarming Statistics in Alberta and Calgary
The data on intimate partner violence (IPV) paints a grim picture. Dr. Nieman highlights that the trends in Calgary, Alberta, and across Canada are not improving. On average, a woman is killed by her partner every six days in Canada. The situation in Alberta is particularly dire, with the province holding the third-highest rate of self-reported spousal violence in the country.
In Calgary, concern is growing. The Calgary Foundation's 2025 Quality of Life report shows that 69% of Calgarians are now worried about domestic violence, a significant increase from 59% in 2024. This heightened awareness coincides with worsening numbers. A recent Calgary Police Service report confirms that domestic violence has reached a five-year high, with 3,592 incidents reported from January to September 2025 alone. Dr. Nieman crucially notes that police are notified of less than 30% of intimate partner violence cases, suggesting the true scale of the problem is far greater.
The Focus on Healing Childhood Trauma
From a pediatric perspective, Dr. Nieman expresses grave concern for the neurodevelopment of children exposed to these adverse events. The long-term consequences on their brain development can be significant.
A meeting with Leslie Hill, executive director of Discovery House, underscored the scale of the issue. Discovery House, Calgary's first long-term shelter for women and children when it opened in 1980, provides a safe haven. In 2024, a staggering 68% of their clients were children and youth. This statistic highlights that domestic violence is overwhelmingly a family issue, with young people as its most vulnerable victims.
The shelter's mission is twofold: to heal the trauma experienced by children and to break the cycle of domestic violence for future generations. To achieve this, mothers and children at Discovery House receive comprehensive support, including:
- Counselling and wellness programs
- Coaching on goal-setting and accessing resources
- Financial literacy training and income assistance
- Help in finding affordable housing
Dr. Nieman's insights call for continued awareness and action, not just during November—a month dedicated to remembering victims—but throughout the entire year, to protect the most vulnerable and ensure a brighter future.
