The Centre for Gender Advocacy is extremely alarmed at the rates of femicides in Québec. According to SOS Violence Conjugale, ten women have been killed by their partners so far this year: that’s one woman every two weeks. We condemn the killing of women unequivocally. What cannot be ignored is that these women – Tadjan’ah Desir, Mary Iqiquq Tukalak, Susana Rocha Cruz, Véronic Champagne, Sonia Maricela Gonzalez Vasquez, Danielle Lascelles, Katerine Alejandra Mejia Salinas, Hiba Elrhazi, Shannon Jean Hickey and another Indigenous woman whose family asks we don’t share her name – are overwhelmingly women of colour.
What makes femicide unique is that it is the intentional killing of women because they are women, often driven by misogyny and often perpetrated by partners or close family members, it is the most violent and extreme manifestation within a continuum of gendered and sexualized violence. These femicides are exacerbated by worsening economic conditions and, in our specific context, the brutal dismantling and systematic defunding of social services by the provincial government. As well, rising fascist sentiments globally, in tandem with anti-feminist backlash and unchecked misogyny, all contribute to the reality of these femicides.
Countless studies, social science data and our own frontline experience demonstrate the profound interconnectedness between poverty, homelessness, racism, isolation and femicide.One solution advocates are calling for is increased funding for second-stage housing, as studies suggest that longer-term housing where complex needs are more comprehensively addressed lead to more favourable outcomes when it comes to women returning to situations of abuse. However, according to a 2024 study by the Quebec Homelessness Prevention Policy Collaborative, there is no specific funding program for second-stage, longer term transitional housing for women and children in Québec. Instead, government budgets are based on social housing criteria set by the provincial and federal governments which underestimate the needs and costs of second-stage shelters. This is unacceptable and has to change.
While we frankly have no hope in our elected leaders, we welcome and support the open letter penned by Québec Solidaire co-spokeperson Ruba Ghazal, particularly the demand to ensure consistent and adequate funding to shelters and transitional housing in order to create more spaces. The Centre for Gender Advocacy is deeply committed to its community, and continues to work to offer peer support and an accessible space where all those experiencing violence can receive support and resources. All our hearts go out to the women and families affected by femicide this year and every year globally, wherever they may be.
To make donations to Le Regroupement et la Fédération des Maisons pour Femmes Victimes de Violence Conjugale follow this link. As well, follow the work of the Table de Concertation des Groupes de Femmes de la Montérégie and their campaign #LaProchaineEstEncoreEnVie.