Emergency
A career as a police officer creates unique challenges and stresses for police families. Shift work, the danger of the job and the roller coaster effects of hyper-vigilance puts a significant stain on marriage and family relationships.
Many of Canada’s police officers are in a crisis situation - not on the streets, but in their homes.
A high percentage of police marriages end in divorce - one of the highest rates of any profession. The suicide rate for police officers is six times that of the general population. Some studies have shown that as many as two-thirds of police officers struggle with alcoholism.
As one officer has said, “The true weight of the badge is not overcome by muscle, not found in the gym, not measured on a scale. This weight requires a strength and conditioning for which few officers are trained. The badge is not just pinned on a chest; it is pinned on a lifestyle.”
Members of the Force are sworn to Serve and protect the public, and they do so with great honor. Now it’s our turn. The Police Marriage Support Team at Support the Badge exists to help our officers serve and protect those who matter most to them: their family.