Intimate partner violence is an epidemic.
Renfrew County council made that declaration on Thursday. It was a symbolic move to support groups working to stop domestic violence and raise more attention to the issue, in light of past traumatic events.
On September 22, 2015, three Renfrew County women – Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk and Nathalie Warmerdam – were murdered by a man who knew them. The case led to an inquest last year, after which a jury issued dozens of recommendations, including a call for more education on intimate partner violence.
Kirsten Mercer, a lawyer who represented End Violence Against Women Renfrew County, praised the decision, saying “we are seeing leadership on this important issue.”
Lisa Oegema, of Victim Services of Renfrew County, added that the move “is the first step in a long journey, but it clearly sets the stage for positive change.”