If murder is already a criminal offence, why do we need to track the murder of women? If there’s already a name for the offence of one person killing another—homicide—why do we need the word femicide to refer to the killing of a woman?
The Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH), of which Women’s Resources is a member, keeps track of and calls out as femicides the deaths of women as reported in mainstream media. If a woman is a victim of a violent gendered crime, OAITH makes sure it doesn’t go unnoted. The organization has confirmed seven femicides in the province since Nov. 26, 2025. The Canadian Femicide Observatory (CFO) says that 30 women and girls have been violently killed in Canada so far in 2026.
We can’t fix a problem we don’t name. And women who are murdered are far more likely to die at the hands of a man who purports to love them: a partner, ex-partner, son, father, brother, neighbour, co-worker, stalker…it’s a long list, sadly.
So yes, we need to be clear that women face very different risks in our society. Indeed, it’s often observed that the most dangerous place for a woman is her own home, because if she’s going to die violently, that’s most likely where it will happen.
That said, women in sex work or who are homeless are at high risk for murder wherever they are; the same is true for trans folks, 2-Spirit people and those who are gender non-conforming. In a society where straight cis men still hold great power, and can still physically dominate when they want to, women and others they despise are all too often their targets.
We’re starting to hear the word “femicide” more often from police investigating the violent deaths of women. That’s important because it underscores the reality that women too often die because they are women, and their deaths are too often preceded by physical, psychological, financial or emotional abuse. It’s a specific word for a specific kind of crime.
There’s continuing pressure to add the word “femicide” to the Criminal Code, in recognition of its distinct nature. “The killing of women and girls is distinct from the killing of men and boys, and we need to recognize that distinction in order to have more nuanced prevention,” Myrna Dawson, founder of the CFO, recently told CTV News.
By calling femicide what it is, we can create laws that treat it seriously. We can design prevention measures that are more focused and effective. And maybe, one wonderful day, we won’t need the word anymore.
If you or a woman you know is experiencing abuse, our 24-Hour Crisis Support Line 1-705-878-3662 or 1-800-565-5350 is here to help. We provide non-judgmental support and connections to services that keep women safe.
By Nancy Payne
