Honouring women killed

Carol Taylor has been to over 20 vigils to remember women who have been murdered by men.

She hopes in her lifetime, that one day she won’t have to attend them anymore.

“I’ve been here too many times, honouring the women who were victims of violence, it is too many times,” she said. “It is not stopping, that is why I am here.”

An intimate group of men, women and children gathered at the Sails in Kelowna to reflect and honour the countless women who have died at the hands of men.

A rose was placed to remember each woman, including local Okanagan women such as Russia Nicholson, Traci Genereaux and Theresa Neville.

“In 1990 when we did the first vigil there were about 20 names, including the 14 who were killed in Montreal,” said Olivia Hofer, organizer. “Since then, we have grown the list to almost 80.”

Taylor said education is key in stopping the deaths.

“Educating mothers and fathers to educate their children, boys particularly, to stop the violence, stop the bullying,” she said.

Every week in Canada, at least one woman is murdered by a boyfriend or spouse and more than half of those have reported domestic violence to the police.

Hofer said people need to stand up and say something.

“There is so much more strength in saying something is wrong than to be complacent in it,” she said. “I think that is how we will really create change.”

December 6 has become the day to symbolize the threat and reality of violence in women’s daily lives.

“I think in my lifetime there will be a time we can stop coming here,” said Taylor.