On September 23, 2025, when we asked the High River & surrounding area to join us to read and “unpack” a new report: built from local data and community voices, the foundation for a ‘made-in-High River’ primary prevention plan for stopping domestic violence and abuse before it starts. 

This project was made possible with the assistance from Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence, HelpSeeker Technologies, University of Alberta Care Lab and the University of Calgary Faculty of Social Work. A special thank you to Sharon Blackwell, Lana Wells, Dr. Eliana Turner and Dr. Caroline Claussen - thank you for your guidance and mentorship on the project.

This project was held in partnership with Big Hill Haven and YWCA Banff.

The recommendations made by the report give us a roadmap with ‘made-in-High River’ approach; for our community, by our community.

The six recommendations are:





REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

  • Collect Local Data 

  • Engage Men & Boys 

  • Whole-School Approach 

  •  Grassroots Outreach 

  • Public Awareness Campaigns 

  • Partner with First Nations

Read the report:

The community presentation and discussion were more than just sharing findings of the report but hearing “lived-experience” that brought the recommendations to life, while starting to identify priorities and next steps we can take forward together in our community.

The community insights made it clear that together, we are ready to take BOLD steps to stop violence before it starts.

“What gives me hope? This community. Together we’re building a prevention plan that will stop violence before it starts, grounded in data, lived experience, and local wisdom.”

- Linette Soldan, Executive Director Rowan House Society





Thank you to our panelists for sharing both personal and professional insights:

Rev. Julia Kimmett, Okotoks United Church – the role of faith communities in supporting healthy relationships.

Michael LeBlanc, Shelter Support Worker, Rowan House Society – why safe spaces matter for men to open up.

Lisa Degenstein, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society – challenges and opportunities for newcomer families.

Kevin Wallace, Sun Country 99.7 FM – the power of media and personal storytelling to inspire hope.

All our conversations reminded us that prevention is more than responding after someone was harmed, it’s about creating the conditions where violence never takes root.

  • Shift the burden: responsibility cannot rest on those experiencing violence.

  • Support men and boys: many need safe, informal spaces to reach out and grow healthy identities.

  • Recognize community pressures: from global economic stress to the risk of isolation for seniors and newcomers, prevention means strengthening the supports that keep people connected.

In the news:

“Waiting until violence happens is too late. To truly end gender-based violence, we must transform the social conditions that enable male violence in the first place – in High River and across Alberta”

- Lana Wells, University of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work


Together, we’ve proven this town can rise to any challenge and now, we can rise to stop violence before it starts.

  • We will work with stakeholders and community members to carry out the six recommendations from the report.

Next steps:

We’d love to hear from you: which of the 6 recommendations resonates most with you personally, and why? Send us an email: info@rowanhouse.ca