‘Domestic violence epidemic’ advocates concerned over recent homicides in Edmonton and Calgary

Two women were killed in just two days in Alberta and police allege both were killed by their intimate partner.

“Every four days in Canada, a woman is killed by either her current or former intimate partner. With the recent incident that occurred across the province, you’re almost looking at a 400 percent increase there of one almost every single day,” said Cat Champagne, the executive director of the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelter.

“We believe it’s an epidemic because it’s now that is something that’s widespread that is affecting everyone.”

On December 30, Ashley Burke was found dead on a riverbank of the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton. Police charged Daniel Boothman days later.

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Her death was just one day after news broke of the shooting deaths of Ania Kaminski and her father on December 29, a manhunt leading police to the main suspect who was found dead.

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“Lots of time the influx comes after the holiday season. People are just trying to make it through the holiday season … people wanting to put on different faces for the holiday just to get through, especially with kids involved,” explained Champagne.

Women’s shelters are reporting pressure, from an increase in domestic violence cases.

According to Edmonton Win House, they were able to answer 2,531 crisis calls, however, due to capacity issues, they had to turn away 1,982 or 78.3 per cent of callers.

“Because of the housing shortage that we’re experiencing, there’s no safe place to actually be moving a lot of women into. So women’s stays have extended quite significantly within the shelter themselves,” explained Leslie Allen, the executive director of Win House.

Women’s shelters say it’s time for a change in how we address domestic violence.

“Anytime that we see domestic violence anywhere in our society is a tragedy particularly when it results in loss of life and our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families that were involved,” said Jason Nixon, the Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services

Minister Nixon says Alberta has changed oversight of women’s shelters and plans to continue to invest in support.

According to the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, for every one Albertan able to find refuge in a domestic violence shelter, another four are told there is no room.

But still, if you or anyone you know are experiencing domestic violence, there are supports available online and over the phone by calling 310-1818.