When we talk about domestic violence, it’s easy to think of arguments that just get out of hand. But in Canada, the numbers tell a much darker story. Most people killed by their intimate partners are women, nearly 80% of all victims. That means for every man killed by a partner, four women lose their lives.

This is not just a statistic. It’s a warning that gender-based violence continues to be one of the biggest safety issues facing women in Canada today.

According to national crime data, almost one woman is killed by her partner every six days in Canada. Many of these deaths involve firearms, guns kept in the home or used to threaten and control before the final act of violence.

These killings don’t happen suddenly. They are often the result of months or years of abuse, emotional, physical, or financial that gradually becomes more dangerous over time. 

Why Women Are at Greater Risk

There are a few key reasons why women make up such a high percentage of intimate partner homicide victims:

• Power and control: Abusers often want to dominate their partners. When women try to leave, it threatens that control, and violence can escalate.
  
• Access to weapons: When guns are present in the home, the chance of being killed by an intimate partner increases five times.
  
• Fear and silence: Many women don’t report abuse because they are scared they won’t be believed, or that reporting will make things worse.
  
• Economic dependence: Some women can’t afford to leave or have nowhere safe to go.
  
• Coercive control: Abuse is not always physical, it can also include isolation, threats, and emotional manipulation that make it hard for victims to escape.
  

These patterns are not about anger or passion, they are about control and fear. 

The Role of Firearms

When a gun is in the house, the danger increases dramatically. Abusers use firearms not just to kill, but to intimidate and silence. A weapon left on the table during an argument or a casual threat like ‘you will regret it if you leave’ can trap a woman in constant fear.

Even if the gun is never fired, the threat alone is powerful enough to control someone’s life. That’s why Canada’s Red Flag laws are so important. They allow anyone, friends, family, or neighbours to ask a court to temporarily take away firearms from someone who poses a risk to themselves or others. This simple step can save lives.

What Can Be Done

Ending the gender gap in intimate partner homicide starts with awareness, support, and prevention. Here are some ways we can all help:

• Recognize the warning signs: Jealousy, isolation, control, or threats involving weapons should never be ignored.
  
• Speak up: If you believe someone is in danger, reach out or contact local authorities. Red Flag orders can be requested by anyone.
  
• Support survivors: Offer help without judgment. Listen, believe them, and connect them to community resources.
  
• Educate young people: Talk about healthy relationships early. Respect, equality, and communication should be the foundation.

The numbers are heartbreaking, but they also give us direction. If nearly 80% of victims are women, that means prevention must focus on women’s safety, and on changing the attitudes and systems that allow violence to continue.

Firearm-related partner violence is preventable. With better awareness, stronger laws, and communities that look out for one another, we can reduce these deaths and help more women live free from fear.

If you or someone you know feels unsafe, please reach out. Help is available 24/7.

Emergency (immediate danger): 911

Talk 4 Healing (for Indigenous Women): 1-855-554-HEAL
Kids Help Phone (24/7) — 1-800-668-6868 (youth) and text/chat options. 

BC CYAC NetworkVancouver Coastal Health – Forensic Nursing Service (VGH) — confidential medical care and evidence collection (with or without police report) within 7 days of an assault. vsdvalliance.org
Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre (formerly WAVAW) — 24-hour crisis line, hospital accompaniment, counselling. 24-h line: 604-255-6344. NNEDV

Chimo Community Services (Richmond) — STV individual counselling; Mandarin/Cantonese available. 604-279-7077. chimoservices.com
KUU-US Crisis Line (Indigenous-specific, 24/7) — Adults/Elders lines and toll-free access. Hope for Wellness Helpline
Visit WOMEN-ALERT.CA/Resources for easy-to-read, plain language guides about red flag laws, women’s safety, and firearm prevention.