On Sept. 22, 2015, the Take Back the Night march in Renfrew County was suddenly called off.
The yearly event, celebrated in communities worldwide, highlights violence against women. But on that night, police tape surrounded three different properties in Ottawa Valley as families and residents struggled to understand what had just occurred.
Earlier that day, a local man went on a rampage throughout the expansive rural county, taking the lives of three women: Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk, and Nathalie Warmerdam.
Later revelations about the perpetrator’s long history of abuse toward women-well-known to community members, law enforcement, and the justice system-added to the pain and ignited demands for change.
“It still feels like it’s a fresh wound,” said Lori Norwood, director of the Renfrew County Sexual Assault and Rape Crisis Support Centre and organizer of the 2025 Take Back the Night march in Killaloe.
“A lot of people still feel very scared, very hurt and very protective.. It does feel like it just happened yesterday.”
Although ten years have passed since those tragic events, Norwood and other advocates highlight that significant efforts to enhance safety for women began three years ago after a high-profile coroner’s inquest into the deaths led to 86 recommendations. Much of this work has been done at a grassroots level.
‘Holes and gaps’
Anastasia Kuzyk, Nathalie Warmerdam and Carol Culleton were murdered by the same man on September 22, 2015. ( )
Malcolm Warmerdam was just 18 when he lost his mother, Nathalie. Since then he has become an activist.
“I learned that if I want them to know what actually needs to happen, I need to become the expert,” said Warmerdam who participated in the inquest. “I know a lot about the failures of our system and the holes and gaps.”
The inquest’s recommendations called for accountability along with improved systemic approaches including better collaboration among service providers as well as education, training, intervention strategies, and safety measures.
“Changes are happening at local levels,” stated Kirsten Mercer, a lawyer representing End Violence Against Women – Renfrew County during the inquest.
“We still have much work ahead of us to make our communities safer from gender-based violence but there are signs of hope.”
For instance, 106 municipalities across Ontario-from Kapuskasing to Toronto-have recognized intimate partner violence as an epidemic.
This was actually one of the first recommendations from the inquest.
‘Good things have come’
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Julianna Morin is coordinator of End Violence Alliance of Renfrew County. (Salah Tebessi/CBC )
“The action taken on these recommendations hasn’t come from above but rather from grassroots movements which I think is ultimately more effective,” said Pamela Cross who testified at the inquest. She also serves on Ontario’s Domestic Violence Death Review Committee.
“People have collaborated across various sectors that don’t always see eye-to-eye.”
However, the fact that Ontario’s government has yet to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic is frustrating.
“The current government likes to think it’s doing great things but they’re really not doing enough,” remarked Cross. “If you recognize this epidemic exists within Ontario … it means we need governmental involvement regarding those other 85 recommendations.”
Despite this lack at higher levels though changes made within Renfrew County have been meaningful according to Mary Leigh Elliot who is executive director at Victim Services of Renfrew County noting how relationships between her organization and police have improved significantly.
“Great things emerged from that inquiry. Various townships along with county officials declared intimate partner violence an epidemic which opened doors for additional supports,” added Elliot.
The Ontario Provincial Police also introduced 70 “abuse issues investigators” across its regions tasked with ensuring their work is victim-centered while being trauma-informed. This includes two officers stationed at Upper Ottawa Valley detachment along with one officer located within Renfrew itself.
Julianna Morin coordinator for End Violence Alliance believes there’s still plenty more work left undone
“We need spaces available throughout all levels here where survivors feel heard recognized believed; additionally we should guarantee survivors can access essential services without facing unnecessary barriers,” stated Morin.
Calling it femicide
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Pamela Cross testified at there was an inquiry concerning those murders back In 2015. She’s also partaking On Tario’s Domestic Violencedeath Review Committee. (Felix Desroches/CBC)
Lately both Ottawa & Kingston police forces labeled several recent murders as ” femicides” within their public statements.
Mercer claims this shift represents progress resulting from stronger connections forged between advocacy groups alongside judicial partners.
“Increasing trust & respect among these parties enhances overall safety within communities; I believe it connects directly back towards improvements traced back following inquiries conducted previously,” she noted.
While Mercer thinks it might be premature celebrating successes , observing fewer femicides occurring thus far into current year could signify positive transformations underway.
A proposed bill put forth by members Of The New Democratic Party urges provincial authorities To officially acknowledge Intimate Partner Violence constitutes An Epidemic. Furthermore , it requests Establishment Of A Implementation Committee Focused Upon Recommendations Made During Inquiry Into Events Occurring Within The Area.
The Bill named Bill55 Has managed To pass First Reading At Queen’s Park Yet It’s Not anticipated For Second Reading Within This Year Since A Similar Earlier Proposal Perished Once Elections Were Triggered Last Winter.
CBC reached out To The Attorney General’s Office Seeking Their Stance Regarding Support For Bill55 But received No Response Thus Far.
Prevention key
Pamela Cross authoring And Sometimes They Kill You discussing matters related To The Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic emphasizes importance placed On Prevention Measures Taken Now Going Forward.
“Currently We Aren’t addressing Root Causes Leading Towards Abuse Outbreaks occurring! ”Cross commented!
“We Must Explore Alternatives Existing Alongside Current Criminal Justice Systems Such As Restorative/Transformative Approaches Which Can Work Equally Well Alongside Law Allowing More Options Available ; Recognizing Many Engaging In Abusive Behaviors Actually Don’t Wish For It!” She further explained !
For Those Facing Family/Intimate Partner Related Issues Support Is Accessible Via Crisis Lines And Local Resources Available.
Should You Feel Immediate Danger Or Are Concerned About Your Safety Or Others Around You Call911 Immediately !
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