Cochrane RCMP report dramatic increase in domestic violence incidents: study

A new report analyzes ways to break the cycle of domestic violence, with a focus on men.

A new study out of the University of Calgary is shedding light on domestic violence trends in Cochrane, Alta.

The study builds on work conducted by the University’s research-action hub, Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence.

Based on data from Cochrane RCMP, the findings examine patterns of domestic violence incidents, and aims to help law enforcement and other agencies put a stop to the violence before it starts.

“We looked at five years of people who have been charged in incidents and severity, and we also did a deep dive in 2024 where we looked at 112 men who had been charged with domestic violence to learn about risk factors, and what we could do to stop violence before it starts,” said Lana Wells, the study’s lead author.

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Cochrane RCMP covers the town of Cochrane, surrounding rural and semi-rural regions within Rocky View County, and nearby Stoney Nakoda Nations communities. Altogether, the population is approximately 73,000.

The study found from 2020 to 2024, domestic violence incidents increased by 59 per cent, rising from 365 to 579 incidents reported to the RCMP.

Concurrently, charges laid to domestic violence increased by 15 per cent. Of the 668 total charges laid across the five years, 78 per cent were perpetrated by males.

Authors say its important to note the population of the region increased between these years, explaining some of the rise in the total number of reported incidents.

In instances where charges were laid, assault and assault with a weapon, or assault causing bodily harm were the most common offences, accounting for more than half of the total charges.

“We’re seeing higher incidents of physical harm and we know there’s alot of risk factors before we get to that point and we need to be thinking about how we can intervene earlier,” said Wells.

Criminal typologies among male perpetrators

The study also looked at criminal typologies among males charged with domestic violence in 2024.

Of the 138 total charges that year, 81 per cent were laid against men.

More than two-thirds of the men charged had a previous police-reported domestic encounter- these prior incidents may not have resulted in charges but indicate earlier patterns of conflict or violence.

Seventy-five per cent of those charged had at least one previous criminal charge on record, and 19 per cent had no previous interactions with the RCMP.

Alcohol was present at 49 per cent of domestic violence incidents and in half of them, a child either witnessed the violence or was in the home at the time.

A new study on domestic violence in the Cochrane area aims to help law enforcement and other agencies stop the violence before it starts

“We can’t continue the cycle of arrest, release, arrest, release. The cycle doesn’t break,” said Insp. David Brunner, Cochrane RCMP.

The study also found that 19 per cent of men charged with domestic violence had no previous interactions with police.

“That’s the win that we are looking for. It’s that early intervention and that positive influence,” said Brunner.

From prevention to intervention

The study has listed eight recommendations with the goal of building a coordinated, data-informed prevention approach. They include:

• bring together service providers, law enforcement, and municipal leaders to align strategies;
• maintain ongoing collection and analysis of perpetration data;
• address alcohol-related risk factors;
• review and strengthen the Child, Family and Youth Enhancement Act;
• intervene earlier;
• create better support for men who cause harm;
• protect and support children exposed to violence; and
• promote and expand fatherhood and soon-to-be dad programs.

Authors say implementing these recommendations will require sustained collaboration, leadership, and shared accountability across sectors.

“We need to learn about the risk factors because we know in Alberta two-thirds of people know somebody who is experiencing or has experienced domestic violence,” said Wells.

“Every Albertan needs to build their skills and awareness around understanding the issue and then how to lean in and provide support, not only to victims, but how do we disrupt this behavior with men and young boys.”

Domestic violence in Canada

Domestic violence continues to have a profound impact on individuals, families and communities across the country.

According to Statistics Canada, from 2022 to 2023, family violence increased by three per cent and intimate partner violence rose by one per cent.

In 2024, these numbers were relatively unchanged.

In 2023, Alberta had one of the highest rates of intimate partner violence in Canada, with Saskatchewan and Manitoba ranking first.

Anyone traumatized by the cycle of family violence, including perpetrators are encouraged to get support. More information can be found at Big Hill Haven.com or at Shift: the Project to End Domestic Violence.

With files from CTV’s Stephanie Thomas