Authors: Wells, L., Fyie, K., McIntosh, M.

Date: November 2025

Developed through the Made-In-Alberta Rural and Small-Town Collaborative, this study – the first-of-its-kind in Canada – analyzes five years of RCMP data (2020–2024) and a closer look at data from 2024 to understand patterns and trends in domestic violence perpetration in Cochrane and surrounding areas.

The findings show that reported incidents of domestic violence have increased by 59% over five years. Most male perpetrators charged (68%) had prior domestic violence encounters with police, and three-quarters (75%) had previous criminal charges, underscoring the need for early intervention and targeted prevention strategies. The analysis highlights how data can be used proactively to inform community-led prevention efforts — helping local organizations, police, and leaders identify where supports, education, and accountability structures are most needed to stop violence before it starts.

The Made-In-Alberta Rural and Small-Town Collaborative — including Shift, YWCA Banff, Big Hill Haven in Cochrane, and Rowan House Society in High River — is working to examine the root causes of violence, identify risk factors for male perpetration, and co-create local, evidence-based solutions to prevent harm.