It is with great sadness that Violence Prevention Grey Bruce (VPGB) learns of another woman killed as a result of femicide on June 10, 2022 in Collingwood, ON.
In 2020 in Ontario, every 9 days a woman or child was killed in a femicide. The most common perpetrators are men who are either the woman’s current or former intimate partner, a family member, or someone known to them, Gender-based violence has been called the shadow pandemic that
has escalated with COVID-19. Few people realize how widespread the problem is because the stories rarely receive more than local attention.
Violence Prevention Grey Bruce’s Coordinator, Bernice Connell reminds us, “Every act of violence has an impact on our community and should not be dismissed.” VPGB strongly encourages our local media to talk critically of the issues of femicide, gender-based violence, and oppression. In collaboration we can collectively support each other in our responsibility to do better, advocate, intervene, and utilize our power to prevent another person from being harmed. VPGB wants us to focus on the power of public education, prevention, and bystander intervention.
Earlier this month after six years, the inquiry into the murders of three women in Renfrew has finally started. In response to the ongoing inquiry, Connell states, “The proceeding will be examining domestic violence in rural communities and with approximately 30 witnesses participating in the inquiry, we are hopeful for findings that will help ensure the prevention of future events of this nature. However, we do not need to wait for the results of the inquest to follow up with our own actions. Individually we can begin today by committing to educate ourselves; respecting women, trans, and non-binary people; living out and modelling healthy relationships for our children; supporting violence prevention initiatives and organizations;
working on our personal and collective accountability, and challenging inequality and misogyny.”
Please take a moment to pause and reflect on our shared loss of Kay Kriston and consider opportunities for action and activation of others.
You can find links to related media articles covering Kristen’s story here: Owen Sound Sun Times, Bayshore Broadcasting, The Star
WE COUNT FEMICIDE BECAUSE:
• Indigenous, Black and 2SLGBTQ+ women, girls, gender-diverse individuals and women with disabilities are at increased risk and experience disproportionate levels of gender- based violence.
• Every life lost to femicide tears a hole in the fabric of our communities. We honour their lives and commit to making change to prevent future femicides.
• Naming men’s violence as the problem is part of the change we need to make as a society. We can’t change it if we can’t name it.
• For every femicide, there are more survivors who are not safe in their homes, workplaces and communities. We can do more to reach out and support them. We can engage their intimate partners, family members, friends, coworkers and acquaintances to end the violence.
WE CAN CHANGE THE OUTCOMES
There is no commitment to prevention in Ontario or Canada. For 20 years domestic homicide death reviews have provided recommendations that can move us toward prevention. It is time to review our progress and invest in the evidence to see stronger social returns. There are successes to build on. There are experts and advocates in every community who can help.
WE MUST DO BETTER
Most murders are preventable. We Count Femicide Because… is intended to mark the tragic loss of each life, to raise a public alarm and to engage everyone in working together toward prevention. Professionals, coworkers, neighbours, friends and family members can learn to recognize the warning signs and how to respond safely and supportively. It is a call to action to prevent future deaths. Ask us what you can do to contribute.
JOIN US
Everyone has a role to play in preventing femicide. Learn more about what you can do:
● Write to your local politicians – tell them we must invest in prevention and increase funding for services that are supporting survivors and working with offenders
● Donate to your local women’s shelter or transitional housing
● Learn how to:
o recognize the warning signs of domestic violence and how to respond safely and supportively and refer to services in your community.
See Neighbours, Friends & Families / Kanawayhitowin / Voisin-es ami-es et familes
