Our homes are supposed to be the places where we feel safest of all—where we can shut out the world and be at peace with ourselves and enjoy the company of those we love.
But for far too many women and children in our community, province and country, home is actually the most dangerous place they can be. That’s because their homes are where they experience violence at the hands of a partner, father or other family member.
Most femicides in Canada happen in the victim’s home.
Femicide is the deliberate killing of women and girls because of their gender. According to the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability, 76 per cent of femicides in this country happen in the victim’s home, in the home of the accused or in a home they shared.
It’s a statistic that’s both shocking and completely unsurprising. Shocking, because women and girls shouldn’t have to live in fear in their own homes. Unsurprising, because we know it happens all the time, and that deadly violence is especially likely to occur when a woman is trying to leave a relationship or when that relationship is breaking down.
That was the story in the horrific murder of Collingwood’s Ashley Milnes Schwalm, which was coldly planned and carried out by her husband in their home, after which he staged a car crash to try to cover his actions. It was the story when Parween Adel of Oshawa died after being viciously beaten at home by the husband she was preparing to leave.
Women seeking help at our Victoria’s short-term shelter tell our staff about the fear they’ve experienced in their own homes, and their desire to find safety for themselves and, often, their children. Yes, something is deeply wrong in a society when these women have to leave their homes to find that safety, but while we work to change the bigger picture, we’re here to give women in need a place where they will be protected as they recover from abuse.
Lori’s Place Second Stage Housing is the next step in that process. This beautiful facility with its six affordable units gives women a safe, secure home and some breathing room as they look to heal and rebuild their lives.
Women’s Resources is here to provide a path to a life of freedom.
When home doesn’t feel safe or loving, women need somewhere that is. Women’s Resources is here to provide a different kind of home and a path to a life of freedom and dignity for the women we serve.
For immediate help, call our Crisis Line 1-800-565-5350
We also have a chat line on our website www.womensresources.ca
If you are in danger, please don’t wait; call now and know you are not alone.
By Nancy Payne
