Domestic violence at forefront following Calgary double homicide

The double murder of a Calgary school teacher and her father sent shockwaves across the city and brought the issue of domestic violence to the forefront.

It happened Sunday in the city’s northwest when Calgary police allege the husband of 33-year-old Ania Kaminski, Benedict Kaminski, killed both her and her father, 71-year-old Stanislaw Wardzala.

His dead body was found Monday near his car after a manhunt and an emergency alert was cancelled Monday.

Registered social worker Marcus Cheung says domestic violence is often something that takes place when no one is looking, with signs being hard to identify.

“People don’t often realize that things got this bad until something really bad happens,” he told CityNews.

“It does happen behind closed doors, not a lot of people know about it and for those who are really struggling with it, they tend to keep it to themselves and they aren’t talking to anyone about it, and that’s the really sad part of domestic violence.”

The brother and son of the deceased, Peter Wardzala, told CityNews things between his sister’s husband and their family hit fever pitch on Christmas Day, with him saying his sister was ready to leave.

Wardzala says that despite the relationship reaching its tipping point, he never thought his sister’s life was at risk. He says she was shot after returning to the family home with her children.

Only about 30 per cent of domestic violence cases in Alberta are reported, according to Kim Ruse, CEO of Fear Is Not Love in Calgary.

She also says there are a few early signs that indicate the beginning of a cycle of abuse, like insults, name-calling, and coercive, controlling types of behaviour.

And it’s not always bruises and physical injuries that could be indicating something bad is going on at home, as Ruse says it’s often behavioural changes.

“If you’re concerned about someone and they’re disappearing, they’re isolating themself, they’re not their usual self, they’re not connecting with you like they once did. Certainly, reach out, find ways to connect with them ask them how they’re doing, be a great listener,” she said.

She says when victims do share their experiences, responding might be difficult, so it’s important to ask what they need and direct them to appropriate resources.

Cheung says if you’re worried about someone who may be struggling from domestic violence, there are ways you can help. 

“Early education, helping people to understand what is a healthy relationship really about, and how do we go about resolving conflict? Those are some of the key things we should be doing in the community,” Cheung said.

A vigil for Ania Kaminski will be held Friday evening. It is being held outside Ania’s home in Tuscany at 9 p.m. at 340 Tuscany Ridge Heights.