Authors: Wells, L., Blackwell, S., McGinnis, W., Demedeiros, S., Montesanti, S., Mah, J., & Turner, A.

Collaborators: Claussen, C., Rempel, E., Macleod, R., & Soldan, L.

Date: June 2025

Developed through the Made-In-Alberta Rural and Small Town Collaborative, this report combines research and community insights to better understand the conditions influencing gender-based violence (GBV) in Cochrane and identify strategies for primary prevention.

6 trends — including rapid growth, shifting demographics, increasing diversity, changing commuting and work patterns, economic inequalities, and local GBV indicators — show how pressures and inequalities can increase risk for violence perpetration. Community insights further highlighted 6 key points for change: address gender inequity, build targeted supports for men and boys, strengthen social connections with and between residents, raise public awareness on signalling safety and belonging, challenge harmful norms, and partner with Indigenous communities. Together, this knowledge demonstrates that a proactive, community-led approach focused on equity, connection, education, and primary prevention is essential to preventing violence and building a safer, stronger Cochrane for everyone.

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 examining the root causes of violence, identifying risk factors for male perpetration, and co-creating community-driven solutions to stop harm before it starts.