Every November for Family Violence Prevention Month, communities across Alberta unite to bring awareness to the issue of family violence and to promote collective action toward safety and healing. This year’s theme, “Freedom Starts Here: Healing, Hope, and Empowerment,” emphasizes the importance of fostering resilience, creating supportive environments, and building pathways toward a future free from violence.

In the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Waypoints delivers a coordinated range of programs designed to support individuals and families at every stage of their journey. Our Unity House Emergency Women’s Shelter provides immediate safety, while the Second Stage Shelter offers transitional, ongoing support for those moving toward independence. The Child and Youth Advocacy Centre ensures that children and youth referred from our multi-disciplinary team receive specialized care and advocacy, complemented by our Sexual Trauma Support Services, who provides confidential counselling and support for those impacted by sexual violence. Our Outreach Services extends trauma-informed care into surrounding rural communities, making support accessible to individuals across the region. These programs form a comprehensive network that addresses immediate needs while promoting long-term healing.

Building on these services, the Opportunities for Change program works with individuals who have used violence in the past, providing education and accountability as part of a broader effort to interrupt cycles of harm. Each program strengthens and informs the others, reflecting Waypoints’ holistic approach to community safety and wellbeing.

Throughout the month, Waypoints collaborates with local organizations across the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo to amplify the message of a violence-free community. These collective efforts inspire residents to engage with learning opportunities, support awareness initiatives, and contribute to a culture that values safety, respect, and dignity for all, which will be highlighted on a calendar posted to our Outreach Services page.

Family Violence Prevention Month reminds us that lasting change begins with awareness, continues through action, and is sustained by connection