On September 22, 2015, the planned Take Back the Night march in Renfrew County was suddenly called off. This yearly event, observed in many regions globally, aims to raise awareness about violence directed towards women. However, on that particular evening, three Ottawa Valley properties were cordoned off with police tape while local families and residents grappled with the recent tragic events.
Earlier that same day, a resident of the area went on a rampage across the expansive rural county, resulting in the deaths of three women: Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk, and Nathalie Warmerdam. Subsequently, revelations emerged that the perpetrator had a history of abusing women, a fact known to members of the community, law enforcement, and the judicial system, sparking demands for change.
Lori Norwood, the director of the Renfrew County Sexual Assault and Rape Crisis Support Centre and the organizer of the 2025 Take Back the Night march in Killaloe, expressed that the wounds from the incident still feel fresh for many, with lingering feelings of fear, hurt, and a need for protection. Despite a decade passing since the tragic events, advocates like Norwood highlight that substantial efforts to enhance safety for women began three years ago following a comprehensive coroner’s inquest that yielded 86 recommendations, predominantly driven by grassroots initiatives.
Malcolm Warmerdam, who lost his mother Natalie in the tragedy and has since become an activist, emphasized the necessity of becoming an expert to advocate for needed changes, citing failures and deficiencies in the existing systems. The inquest recommendations stressed the importance of accountability, systemic enhancements, enhanced collaboration among service providers, education, training, intervention, and safety measures.
Kirsten Mercer, a lawyer representing End Violence Against Women – Renfrew County at the inquest, noted that progress towards creating safer communities for women has been noticeable at the local level. While challenges persist in combatting gender-based violence, there are promising signs of improvement, including 106 Ontario municipalities acknowledging intimate partner violence as an epidemic, which was the primary recommendation from the inquest.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the tragedy, Pamela Cross, a member of Ontario’s Domestic Violence Death Review Committee, commended the collaborative efforts that have unfolded since the inquest, emphasizing the importance of grassroots-driven initiatives over top-down approaches. Cross criticized the Ontario government for not officially declaring intimate partner violence as an epidemic, highlighting the need for more substantial governmental involvement to address the issue comprehensively.
Mary Leigh Elliot, the executive director of Victim Services of Renfrew County, acknowledged the positive outcomes stemming from the inquest, particularly the improved coordination between her organization and law enforcement agencies, leading to enhanced support opportunities for affected individuals. Additionally, the Ontario Provincial Police has deployed specialized abuse issues investigators across the province to ensure victim-centered and trauma-informed approaches in handling cases.
Julianna Morin, the coordinator of the End Violence Alliance of Renfrew County, stressed the importance of creating safe spaces where survivors are heard, believed, and provided immediate access to necessary services without bureaucratic obstacles. Recent strides in language use by police services in Ottawa and Kingston, referring to recent murders as “femicides,” indicate improved relationships between advocacy groups and justice sector entities, fostering a safer community environment.
While acknowledging progress, advocates like Mercer insist that continuous efforts are required to sustain and further improve the current momentum. Proposed legislative measures, such as Bill 55, aim to address intimate partner violence comprehensively, although challenges in implementation and governmental support persist. Cross emphasized the importance of prevention strategies, including exploring alternative justice models to complement existing criminal laws and offer additional avenues for addressing abusive behaviors.
For individuals affected by family or intimate partner violence, crisis lines and local support services are available for immediate assistance. In cases of imminent danger or fear for safety, calling 911 is recommended for urgent intervention.