Natasha Carvalho, executive director of the Medicine Hat Women's Shelter Society, addresses participants before the Memorial Walk on Nov. 1, 2022. (Photo Courtesy Chris Brown)

By Chris Brown

Women’s shelter expands text line to start Family Violence Prevention Month

Nov 1, 2022 | 5:20 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society is making one of its services more accessible and raising awareness of all its programs to start Family Violence Prevention Month.

The women’s shelter’s text line and web chat service is being expanded to a 24-7 service as of today.

Executive director Natasha Carvalho notes the shelter has had a 24-7 phone line for years but making a call isn’t always possible. She adds some people told them texting or using a web chat feels easier and more anonymous.

The text and web chat service launched in June during the daytime, but Carvalho says they hope expanding the hours will get more people reaching out.

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“We had it done by like later in the evening and so definitely that’s where I think we do see more of the uptake is evenings and weekends. That’s when things happen, you know, services aren’t always open and so people need some help so that part really works well.”

Calvalho says they found they are reaching a younger demographic with the text and web chat service as well.

This afternoon, shelter staff members and supporters, council members and members of the Medicine Hat Police Service started tying and placing ribbons downtown today during the eighth annual Memorial Walk.

Calvalho says the ribbons and the walk bring awareness and start conversations.

Among the other events planned for Family Violence Prevention Month are a Community Coffee Chat on Nov. 7 at the Medicine Hat Public Library, presentations to area councils and the eighth annual Pet Walk on Nov. 13.

Find more about what the women’s shelter is doing this month at mhwss.ca.