DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BAIL REFORM

We, the undersigned citizens of Canada wish to draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:

Women continue to be murdered and violently assaulted in Canada by estranged spouses or boyfriends. Many of these murders have taken place while the perpetrators are out on bail after having been charged with violent crimes against the women. Often it is the second or third time the accused has been charged and often they are in violation of a Peace Bond.

An example of this tragic situation is the case of Heather Stewart who was severely assaulted by her ex-boyfriend who not only caused her to lose one eye and injured her daughter, but also murdered her mother, Helen Slichta, who had tried to intervene to protect her. The attack occurred while he was awaiting trial for assaulting Heather and while on bail despite having previously breached his bail conditions.

Heathers case and those of many others, demonstrate the need for action to prevent future tragedies. Therefore, your petitioners request that the House of Commons make legislative changes to better empower the judiciary and law enforcement to protect victims of domestic violence.