CALGARY — Police say domestic violence in Calgary is increasing partially as a result of a severe economic downturn that has cost thousands of jobs in the oil and gas industry.
Staff Sgt. Rob Davidson from the Calgary police domestic conflict unit says so far this year officers have seen a 36 per cent rise in the domestic violence rate over the five-year average.
He says it's on track to be the highest number since 2004, and other police forces in Alberta have also noted a jump in calls.
Davidson says there's little doubt that the increase is tied to recent problems with the economy.
He says many relationships that are already having trouble can be pushed over the edge when money problems enter the equation.
The figures were released to mark the beginning of Family Violence Prevention month.
