Domestic violence 'widespread'

Domestic abuse is “widespread and endemic,” a support group said Wednesday as the Ottawa Valley reeled from the slaying of three women and the arrest of a man who had in the past been involved with two of them.

“Every day a women is afraid she might die,” said Erin Leigh, the executive director of the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women.

She said that each year, the Ottawa Police receive 4,500 calls for service from “domestic” issues alone.

Leigh said one of the most dangerous times for women to be hurt or killed in domestic situations is when a woman leaves a partner.

“There’s a lot of reasons why women continue to stay with an abusive partner. It’s very complicated and what we need to do is support women in their journey,” Leigh said.

“It might be for financial reasons, maybe she’s still in love. Maybe she knows there’s an increased risk of violence when you leave.”

Those in need of help can call the Otttawa Distress Centre at the 24-hour line: 613-238-3311.

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