U of C study looks at signs of domestic violence

A new domestic violence report from the University of Calgary (U of C) may help flag early warning signs.

This is the second in a series of investigations conducted in partnership with the Calgary Police Service.

“In this study, we had the opportunity to take a deeper look at the men charged in 2019 and their previous contacts with Calgary Police over the decade,” said Lana Wells, UC associate professor and Brenda Strafford Chair. In Preventing Domestic Violence.

73 per cent of men charged with domestic violence in the last 10 years had a CPS history.

“We understand if there are patterns, behaviors or insights that provide red flags, so we can support boys and men in building healthy relationships at an early age,” Wells said.

According to the report, 99 percent of sexual assaults against women across the country are committed by men.

The goal is to understand the predictors of domestic violence committed by men and intervene before someone gets hurt.

“Historically, we’ve focused on doing research to support victims or where people have been charged to prevent recidivism or further violence. This research is really focused on moving upstream to identify potential risk factors or red flags.”