I’m in immediate danger or need emergency help.
Emergency or crisis support
Call 911 if you are in immediate danger. Even if you cannot speak, stay on the line and police will be sent to your location.
If you or your family are in danger, help is available through the Connect Domestic Violence and Abuse Helpline 403.234.7233 (SAFE) Toll Free: 1.866.606.7233 (SAFE)
Staff can help you get to safety, provide crisis counselling, safety planning and referrals. Help is confidential and is available in many languages
For 24-hour emotional support, call the Distress Centre at 403-266-4357 (HELP)
Discovery House is NOT an emergency shelter, but families in emergency shelters are often referred to Discovery House. Discovery House operates a second-stage shelter and a community housing program.
I need a safe place to stay plus support.
Safe housing and support
To access second-stage shelters in Calgary, contact the Shared Intake Program at 403-860-9412 or email intake@calgarysecondstage.com
In Calgary, there are two other second-stage shelters: The Heart Home Network and Radiance Society. You only need to apply to the Shared Intake Program once, and you will be placed on a single list. You will be contacted when a suitable unit becomes available in one of the three second-stage shelters.
I’m not sure if I’m experiencing abuse.
Education and awareness
Family violence affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. It is our collective responsibility to support people who are hurt by violence.
Recognizing the signs of abuse is the first step to ending it. You can help by having conversations with friends and family about the warning signs, and by knowing where to turn for help.
Abuse may not be immediately recognizable to people outside of the relationship, but there are signs to watch for:
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Not going out or doing activities they used to enjoy
- Not having control of personal finances
- Unexplained bruises or injuries
- Unusually sad, depressed or anxious
- Children may be left alone, hungry, dirty or not dressed for the weather
- Children may have trouble with learning, acting out aggressively, complaints about illness or pain
We often think of abuse as physical, but the truth is that abuse within a family can take many different forms, including:
- Physical abuse
- Psychological abuse such as isolation, threats, belittling
- Financial abuse (access to money is restricted or controlled)
- Criminal harassment or stalking
- Verbal abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Spiritual abuse (being forced into or restricted from practicing religion)
- Pet cruelty
If you, or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.
If you or your family are afraid and in danger, help is available through the Connect Domestic Violence and Abuse Helpline 403.234.7233 (SAFE) Toll Free: 1.866.606.7233 (SAFE)
Staff can help you get to safety, provide crisis counselling, safety planning, and referrals. Help is confidential and is available in many languages.
I want counselling, resources, or other support.
Our services
At this time, our services and supports are only for families who are housed in Discovery House’s Community Housing Program or Second-Stage Shelter. Our intake teams work with you to assess needs, confirm eligibility, and guide you to the right supports at the right time.
Stable housing for women and children post-crisis. You receive privacy and support while planning for stability.
Transitional housing for families leaving violence. Stay longer, regain routine, and receive support for safety and independence.
Programs for children affected by domestic violence focus on emotional safety, confidence and healthy development.
Trauma-informed counselling for women and children. Sessions support healing, coping skills, and long-term wellbeing.
Emergency Shelters
I am looking for help for someone else.
Helping others
If someone you care about is being abused, you can learn more, help them to choose what kind of support feels right, and what to do next. It is important to listen to the person you are worried about and let them know that they are not alone.