Neglect, violence and abuse are life-altering, terrorizing behaviours. They are never ‘okay’. No matter what the ‘past history’ or ‘what you did.’
We call attention to the behaviours that lead partners and family members to not feel safe to be who they are, to feel afraid to speak their minds, and to feel terrified in their own homes. This can happen to anyone - regardless of how strong, intelligent, capable, educated, resilient or successful they are. Our goal is to help people to have violence-free lives, to live without fear, and get to the ultimate outcome - love. It’s what we all want and need. Please come to us for help and support if you’re afraid, or if others are afraid of you. Every human has the right to feel safe, respected, supported and loved. FearIsNotLove is:
⚫ A call to action
⚫ A value statement
⚫ Something we believe people are willing to stand up for.
⚫ And a standard that everyone, especially young people, can use to assess the health of their close relationships. It’s time to change the conversation. Now, many more people impacted by neglect, violence and abuse will recognize that they can find help here. It’s time to start new conversations, open up fresh possibilities, and tackle the unfair assumptions, embarrassment and shame that have been attached to domestic violence and abuse for too long. FearIsNotLove is about more than just our agency alone. We work alongside strong, capable partners. Our collective impact is much greater than we can hope to achieve by ourselves. We have evolved from our beginnings as Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, and we are catalyzing a movement for social change. At FearIsNotLove, we welcome everyone to join us on this bold path forward to open up new possibilities and new conversations in Calgary and area. As innovative and responsive leaders, we continue to evolve based on the latest research and evidence to meet the needs of our ever-changing community. We remain grounded in the same foundations you have come to know and love. Yes, the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter is a core program and an integral part of what we offer. We believe people who use abuse can change
Domestic violence and abuse are behaviours. And we believe that people’s behaviours can change, given the right motivation, resources, support and understanding. That’s why we also support people who are concerned they may have hurt someone, or are struggling with anger issues. Recently, our community members captured who we really are. Thank you.
⚫ Trusted Confidants. Whether you come to us looking for answers, safety or support we’re always here for you. We’re like the best friend you never knew you had. A trusted confidant who ‘gets it.’ You won’t find judgment here. We understand what you’re going through. We’re experts in our field with experience and connections that will make things easier for you.
⚫ Relentless. We are strong, courageous and resilient, often taking on a leadership role in the community. Our work is grounded in proven research and evidence. We work strategically and collaboratively with our brilliant partners who inspire and strengthen us.
⚫ Ingenious. We are constantly working to solve what can sometimes seems ‘unsolvable.’ Innovating is the only way forward. We continue finding success by pulling together the latest research, experts, evidence and insights. Creating better, wiser, stronger systems to support people experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
⚫ Empowering. We welcome all who are on this journey with us. Happily sharing our knowledge, resources and experience. Ego has no place here. We know the future and our communities will be safer and brighter if we continue to work together to inform and empower everyone. Especially those who didn’t know they would need us.
