Nieman: Domestic violence has long-term impacts on children – Calgary Herald

Report on Domestic Violence Incidents in Calgary and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A recent report from the Calgary Police Service indicates a significant increase in domestic violence incidents, reaching a five-year high in 2025. This trend represents a substantial challenge to the achievement of key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning gender equality, peace, and justice.

Analysis of Recent Data (January – September 2025)

The findings from the reporting period highlight a concerning escalation in domestic violence cases:

• Reported Incidents: A total of 3,592 incidents of domestic violence were officially reported.
• Comparison to Average: This figure is notably higher than the five-year average of 3,163 incidents for the same period.
• Trend: The 2025 data marks a five-year peak in reported domestic violence, indicating a worsening situation.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The increase in domestic violence directly undermines progress towards several critical SDGs:

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality: The rise in domestic violence is a direct setback to achieving Target 5.2, which calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres. As intimate partner violence disproportionately affects women, this trend signals a regression in ensuring their safety and fundamental rights.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: This data challenges the objective of Target 16.1, which aims to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The increase in domestic violence within the community is contrary to the goal of fostering peaceful and inclusive societies.

Key Considerations and Underreporting

The official statistics likely represent only a fraction of the true scale of the issue, posing an even greater challenge to SDG attainment.

• It is estimated that police are notified of less than 30 per cent of all intimate partner violence cases.
• This significant level of underreporting suggests the actual number of individuals affected is far higher, and the gap in achieving SDG 5 and SDG 16 is wider than the reported data indicates.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues discussed in the article, specifically the rise in domestic violence, are directly connected to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  This goal aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The article’s focus on domestic and intimate partner violence, a form of gender-based violence that disproportionately affects women, directly relates to the core objectives of SDG 5.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This goal is focused on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions. The article discusses a form of violence within society and uses data from a key justice institution (Calgary Police Service), linking the issue to the goal of reducing violence and ensuring public safety.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s focus on domestic violence, the following specific targets can be identified:

• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres.

  The article’s central theme is the increase in “incidents of domestic violence” and “intimate partner violence.” These are forms of violence that predominantly occur in the private sphere and are explicitly targeted for elimination under Target 5.2.

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

  The report of domestic violence reaching a “five-year high” indicates a negative trend in relation to this target. Domestic violence is a specific form of violence that this target aims to reduce.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies specific data points that can be used as indicators to measure progress:

• Number of reported incidents of domestic violence

  The article provides a direct quantitative measure: “there were 3,592 incidents of domestic violence reported” from January to September 2025. This number serves as a direct indicator for tracking the prevalence of reported violence, relevant to both Target 5.2 and Target 16.1.

• Rate of change in domestic violence incidents

  The article compares the 2025 figure (3,592) to the “five-year average over the same period” (3,163). This comparison, showing a rise to a “five-year high,” is an indicator of a negative trend and a setback in achieving the targets.

• Rate of reporting of intimate partner violence

  The statement that “police are notified of less than 30 per cent of intimate partner violence cases” is a crucial implied indicator. It measures the gap between official statistics and the actual occurrence of violence. An increase in this percentage could indicate greater trust in institutions and improved access to justice, while the low number highlights the challenge in accurately measuring the full scope of the problem under Target 5.2.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: calgaryherald.com