A silent vigil was held in front of the BC Legislature on Monday, honouring 16 women who were killed by men in British Columbia in 2024.
The vigil was organized by Vancouver Rape Relief and participants held signs with women's names, ages, and the date of their murder.
One sign honoured 44-year-old Lindsay Christine Danchella of Trail.
Danchella, who was a mother of a two-year-old, was killed on Nov. 4.
Her ex-husband is charged with her murder.
“We are here to mourn the women and to demand systemic change," said Hilla Kerner, Vancouver Rape Relief’s spokeswoman.
“We want the BC Coroners Service to conduct an inquest for each case of femicide. The public needs to know what could have been done to protect them so we can demand and press for change.”
The vigil was held on Nov. 25, the annual International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The date commemorates the 1960 assassination of the Mirabal sisters – Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa – who were political activists in the Dominican Republic. Their brutal murder by the Trujillo regime galvanized international attention and became a symbol of resistance against gender-based violence.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999, this day aims to raise awareness about the pervasive issue of violence against women and girls worldwide.
It also marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, culminating on Dec. 10, Human Rights Day.
In Canada, the government emphasizes the theme "Come Together, Act Now," urging collective action to change social norms and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence.
Canadians are encouraged to wear purple on Nov. 25 to raise awareness and show solidarity.
In Trail, the local Violence Against Women in Relationships (VAWIR) committee is encouraging residents to join the cause by displaying purple lights in their offices, homes, or public spaces through Dec. 10.
As well, the city has illuminated the Victoria Street Bridge in purple lights as part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness about anti-violence campaigns, including Shine the Light on Woman Abuse.
