A rash of domestic violence cases against women, including the death of a Richmond mother, has led to women's groups sounding an alarm for what they call a systemic failure to address male-on-female violence within the criminal justice system.
A rally was held at the provincial courthouse in Downtown Vancouver Thursday to raise awareness of violence against women, following what organizers say have been at least eight, recent serious cases involving alleged domestic violence.
One of those cases happened in Richmond.
On May 4, Jian Hua 'James' Wu is alleged to have killed his wife in their apartment unit on Granville Avenue. The couple had two children, according to police. Wu is now in custody and charged with second-degree murder. His next court appearance is July 2. A publication ban has prevented the woman's name from being released to the public.
Women's groups such as the Vancouver Rape Relief and Women's Shelter and the Battered Women's Support Services attended the rally while Richmond's Nova Transition House, which runs a shelter for abused women and their children, lent its support.
The groups note men are largely to blame for violent attacks against women (83 per cent, according to a 2013 Statistics Canada report) and conviction rates in such cases are also abnormally low. Most cases of domestic violence involve men that women know - only 16 per cent of cases involve strangers. Also, based on homicide statistics Aboriginal women are disproportionately represented as homicide victims.
Janet Woo, the manager of Nova House since January, said it was important to lend support to the rally, although she could not attend.
"Sometimes even making that first call can be scary. It's important for rallies like this to make sure people are aware of services," said Woo, who said she's worked in crisis intervention in Richmond for 11 years.
"We can help them, provide info on coping strategies and safety planning," said Woo, who indicated Nova helped 126 women and 86 children last year.
The Nova House is part of Chimo Community Services and can be reached at 604-279-7077 or chimoservices.com.
