Last year, on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, I had the privilege of viewing a powerful documentary by Nicole Bedford, documentary filmmaker & owner, at an Ontario Bar Association event. The film highlights the remarkable resilience of courageous women who have fought tirelessly for their rights while facing unimaginable tragedies in Canadian history, such as the tragic killing of 14 women at École Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989, where the perpetrator infamously declared he was "fighting feminism."
A significant milestone in the fight for women's rights was achieved on October 18, 1929, with the ground-breaking Persons Case, which established that women were eligible to sit in the Canadian Senate and were recognized in the legal definition of "persons." This decision paved the way for greater gender equality in Canada. In 1973, the establishment of the first feminist shelter in Hamilton marked another crucial turning point, providing a safe place for individuals experiencing domestic and intimate partner violence. This shelter not only offered refuge but also symbolized a commitment to addressing the pervasive issue of violence against women.
Despite these advancements and the ongoing activism of brave women throughout history, the current statistics are both alarming and on the rise, worldwide. According to the United Nations, approximately 87,000 women were killed globally in 2018, with 58% of those murders committed by intimate partners or family members. Statistics Canada reported that 187 women were killed in 2024, translating to one woman every two days.
One particularly important point raised in the documentary is the impact of abuse on children, who often suffer in similar ways to their abused parents. This opens critical discussions about the long-term effects of gender-based violence on communities and its far-reaching implications.
At the conclusion of the documentary, the panelists engaged in a thought-provoking discussion. Sheri Buck, protagonist from the smallest steps, addressed the shame that survivors and their families often feel when revisiting the past, emphasizing that they should never feel guilty for their experiences. The Honourable Loretta Merritt of the Superior Court of Justice stated the importance of trauma-informed practices in family law, noting that lawyers must anticipate emotional reactions and that clear communication can significantly improve outcomes. She also pointed out that survivors may be difficult clients, sometimes struggling to provide sufficient information or articulate their experiences due to trauma and stigma.
Deepa Mattoo, executive director of the Barbra Schleifer Commemorative Clinic, highlighted that while trauma-informed practices were often overlooked in the past, the legal community is becoming more aware and engaged in these discussions today. She emphasized the necessity of encouragement and empathy from lawyers in family law cases.
This brings me to my question: How can we break the cycle? I believe it begins with having difficult conversations among families, survivors, the justice system, and women’s advocates. By identifying areas for improvement, fostering trauma-informed approaches, and reducing the stigma surrounding violence against women and girls, we can work toward meaningful and long-term change.
About the Author
Lais Gomes is a dedicated legal professional with over five years of experience in the Canadian philanthropic sector. She’s currently pursuing her GPLLM at the University of Toronto while working as a parliamentary researcher at the Senate of Canada. Lais is passionate about social justice, law reform, and international law. She actively seeks innovative ways to make a meaningful difference in the world. In her spare time, you might find her playing volleyball, reconnecting with friends and family around the world, or taking walks, whether alone, with old friends, or with new acquaintances.
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