LETTER: There are multiple sources of gender-based violence

SooToday received this letter from a concerned reader about the recent violence against women happening across Algoma and Ontario. 

Algoma Council on Domestic Violence says it is deeply saddened at the recent violence seen against women in our communities across Algoma.

In January 2023, there were five femicides in Ontario, the organization says in a media release. 

While femicides in Ontario are most commonly perpetrated by intimate partners, there has been a noticeable increase in rates of family femicides across the province, the release continues.

In order to ensure all types of femicide are addressed within violence intervention and prevention initiatives, it will be imperative that these initiatives consider the multiple sources of gender-based violence, including not only current and former intimate partners but also family members such as a father, brother, son or nephew, as well as other known relationships such as a landlord or co-worker.

The Algoma Council on Domestic Violence is a culturally inclusive council that will strive to change community attitudes towards family violence, focusing on woman's abuse through education and advocacy while promoting community safety and well-being. The members consist of survivors of gender-based violence and community agencies, all working towards this same goal.

"We can change the outcomes," the release states. "For over 20 years, 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 survivors, experts and advocates in every community that must be listened to."

Borutski Inquiry

On June 28, 2022, the jury recommendations from the inquest into the deaths of Carol Culleton, Anastasia, Kuzyk and Nathalie Warmerdam (three women murdered in Renfrew County) were presented.

There was a total of 86 recommendations for change made, speaking to oversight and accountability, system approaches, collaboration and communication, funding, education and training, measures addressing perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence, intervention and safety.

"We in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma District need to ensure that our local councils are aware of their role in these recommendations and what they need to do to make our communities safer for everyone," the release states.

March 8 is International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. International Women’s Day has occurred for well over a century, with the first gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today International Women’s Day belongs to all groups collectively everywhere; it is not country, group or organization specific. Local community organizations are hosting events in your communities; check out what is happening in your community.

Scott W. Dunlop
Thessalon