Embrave: Agency to End Violence is outraged and deeply saddened to share the news that a woman was murdered on September 19th in Mississauga. Embrave sends our condolences to her family and friends.
This is the fourth femicide (the intentional killing of women, girls and other gender-diverse individuals, by men) that has occurred in Peel Region this year, following the femicide of a 23-year old woman in January, the femicide of a 29-year old woman in June and the femicide of a 46-year old woman in August.
“Femicide and gender-based violence continues to be a critical issue in Peel Region that demands immediate action. The public alarm must be sounded and concern must be actualized into meaningful action and systems change. Each femicide is a stark reminder of the significant work that still needs to be done to shift beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours that reinforce a culture that is harmful and perpetuates gender-based violence in our communities.” said Sharon Floyd, Embrave CEO.
On average, there are three (3.37) femicides occurring every month in Ontario. However, in August we saw almost double that, with 6 femicides in the province. The most common perpetrators are cisgender men, who are either the victim’s current or former intimate partner, a family member, or someone known to them.
According to the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH), there was a 53% increase of femicides last year when compared to the previous year.
Additionally, from November 26, 2021 to now, OAITH tracked 34 femicides in Ontario that have been reported by the media. That number has now risen to 35.
We believe that every femicide is preventable.
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
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. We demand action and accountability.There are survivors, experts and advocates in every community that must be listened to.
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. It is a call to action to prevent future deaths.
“In order to actualize our goal of ending gender-based violence, every individual in our community needs to recognize their personal role and responsibility in this work. One place to start is educating ourselves on things like the warning signs of violence and how to respond safely and supportively to survivors,” said Rebecca Pacheco, the Coordinator of the Peel Committee Against Women Abuse (PCAWA).
PCAWA has training opportunities available on the Enhanced Gender-Based Violence Protocol for the Region of Peel. Please contact Rebecca Pacheco at [email protected] to schedule this training.
Take action and join us in advocacy! PCAWA is hosting Take Back the Night (TBTN) in Peel Region on Thursday September 29th, 2022 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in Ken Whillans Square (2 Wellington St. W., Downtown Brampton).
TBTN is an annual anti-violence rally and march that is held to increase awareness and support of women and gender diverse person’s right to live without the fear of violence, focusing on ending sexual violence.
If you are a survivor of violence in need of support, please contact Embrave: Agency to End Violence’s 24-hour Crisis Line at 905-403-0864 or 1-855-676-8515. You can also seek support from any of the Peel Committee Against Women Abuse member agencies. Visit their website at www.pcawa.net for more information.
Remember that you are not alone. We are here if you need us.
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