New University of Calgary study explores preventing domestic violence

A new report by the U of C's School of Public Policy studying domestic violence states that 90 per cent of domestic violence cases are perpetrated by males, and 73 per cent of men in the data set had pre-interaction with police. (Photo:X@policy_school)

New research from the University of Calgary School of Public Policy is revealing key indicators that may help intervene and prevent domestic violence.

This series of data is done in partnership with the Calgary Police Service (CPS).

The new report states that 90 per cent of domestic violence cases are perpetrated by males, and 73 per cent of men in the data set had previous interaction with police.

“This means there was a missed opportunity to work with the man and his family, to prevent a future escalation in violence,” said Lana Wells, University of Calgary Associate Professor at the Faculty of Social Work.

Domestic violence incidents have been linked to unemployment, financial stress, alcohol and substance abuse, childhood abuse and sporting events.

“There is a statistically significant connection between higher rates of domestic violence and certain Calgary Stampeders’ football games as well as the arrival of the Calgary Stampede,” a 2017 study reported.

Football games cause spike in calls

Calls were higher only when the Stampeders played Edmonton, with a 15 per cent increase in reports.

When it’s a high stakes game, like the Grey Cup, calls went up 40 per cent.

“This is not just in Canada, but also in the (United) States," Wells said.. "Emotions get high and there’s lots of drinking and drugs, which are contributing factors,."

No correlation was found when the Calgary Flames play, even against Edmonton.

CPS statistics also show the number of domestic violence incidents are higher during the holiday season, with rates almost tripling on January 1.