50% increase in domestic violence this year in Lac La Biche

Lac La Biche RCMP have seen a 50 per cent increase in domestic violence investigations this year compared to 2019, and they believe it is because of COVID-19.

Domestic violence cases started to rise when many people lost their jobs or began working from home, and families were asked to quarantine because of the pandemic.

“People are stressed, people are in difficult situations, facing difficult decisions and are in difficult times,” said Lac La Biche RCMP Corp, Roxanne Genereaux.

“These add stress to relationships. As you see in the cycle of abuse, stress is a key component to the cycle of violence.”

Domestic violence calls are one of the highest risk calls RCMP can attend to and can entail criminal harassment, physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and emotional abuse.

“There is no excuse for domestic violence. You’re not alone, there are resources and people that are here for you,” said Genereaux.

Resources for domestic abuse victims:

RCMP: 780-404-2500 (911 for emergencies)

Children and Family Services: 780-623-3249

Victim Services:780-623-7770

Women’s shelter: 780-623-3100

FCSS: 780-623-6745