OLDS — Mountain View Family Resource Network (MVFRN) and Olds RCMP are looking to collaborate on family violence calls.
That idea came up during a Zoom call on policing and crime, hosted by Olds RCMP a couple of weeks ago.
During thhe meeting, Deb Goerzen, an early years resource specialist with Mountain View Family Resource Network, suggested the collaboration during a discussion with Cpl. Courtney Harding, who oversees the detachment’s responses to family violence calls, among other duties.
During an interview with The Albertan, Goerzen was asked if that meeting had been held.
“We have not as yet," she said. “That’s on my to-do list, right here.”
During the Zoom meeting, Goerzen and Harding both agreed that the stress of COVID lockdowns and restrictions has spurred lots of family violence calls.
Goerzen said their office in Didsbury has seen a rise in family violence cases.
“We’re having families coming in or phoning in with issues,” she said.
Harding said Olds RCMP have seen an impact as well.
"I would have to say COVID has definitely affected our calls for service in relation to family violence as well as mental health complaints,” Harding said.
“I have seen an increase. It has fluctuated, depending on various restrictions in place and whatnot.
“But certainly we have seen a slight, slight increase in those calls for service, increased family disputes, mental health complaints and whatnot.”
Harding said police have received help from Victim Services.
“They’ve been a tremendous assistance to us, working with the families,” she said, adding other local outreach workers have helped out as well.
In addition, the Child Advocacy Centre in Red Deer or Calgary might become involved if children have to be interviewed.
"It's certainly a team effort from all services in the community,” she said.
