06/03/2025
Our systems are failing to respond to an epidemic.
Today, we are sending our deepest condolences to all those grieving the loss of Tracy Duncan. Ottawa police are investigating her killing as a femicide — now the fourth reported in Ottawa this year.
Renée, Brenda, Rachelle, Tracy. These women were all killed, in part, BECAUSE they were women.
While every case involves individual circumstances, we know that our existing systems are failing women, and gender-diverse people, and their families. They're failing to provide them with sufficient options to live free from violence and abuse.
Safety is income security. Safety is affordable, adequate housing. Safety is trauma-informed systemic support, and accessible gender-based violence prevention and intervention initiatives.
Safety is the sum total of what's needed to eradicate GBV. And in the meantime, to ensure that survivors have the supports they need to truly build new chapters for themselves. The longer we drag our feet on systemic changes that empower women and gender-diverse people, the more violence we are allowing to occur.
For now, we will continue to offer survivors the resources that are available. Please, please reach out if you need it.
It takes a community to heal from abuse. And we all have a role to play in building safety.
