Increased demand continues for women’s shelter services

By KENDALL KING on October 5, 2022.

kking@medicinehatnews.com

The number of Hatters impacted by family violence and abuse remains high following an increase in service demands driven by the pandemic, Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society’s annual report to the community reveals.

MHWSS saw an approximate 15 per cent jump in service demands over the past two fiscal years, as families were forced to navigate stressors caused by the pandemic, such as increased time at home, economic and employment uncertainty, elevated need for mental health supports, etc.

Prior to the pandemic, MHWSS served roughly 1,300 individuals per year, however that number rose to 1,513 in 2020 and 1,518 in 2021.

While the total number of individuals accessing MHWSS services has dropped slightly through the 2021-2022 fiscal year, it remains higher than pre-pandemic levels at 1,464 – something executive director Natasha Carvalho attributes to long-term effects of the pandemic.

“The stressors that happened during those two years of the pandemic caused a lot of trauma and stress for a lot of families,” Carvalho told the News. “And so, I think that we do see people who are struggling with mental health and addictions, as well as family violence in our community. And I think people are still reaching out for help as needed.”

While there was a decrease in the number of individuals accessing MHWSS services between the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 fiscal years, services are still very much in demand, particularly the 24/7 helpline, which saw the greatest increase in access numbers. During the 2020-2021 fiscal year, 1,160 crisis calls were made through the helpline, while 1,537 calls were made in 2021-2022.

MHWSS also began offering web and text chat lines earlier this year, which were initially in operation between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., but will soon be available 24/7.

“We’re just still trying to make sure that we are inclusive and accessible,” said Carvalho. “(And) in a good space to be able to move forward and make sure that we are still keeping up with demand and needs for services.”

Carvalho thanks the community for continued support throughout the past year and hopes community members will join in MHWSS’s upcoming fundraisers – like its annual gala which is returning on March 4, 2023 – as well as embrace other support opportunities.

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