Why femicides are rising in Montréal—and what needs to change

In 2026, 7 women have been killed in and around Montréal. Ruba Ghazal, co-spokesperson of Quebec Solidaire claims that the CAQ government is contributing by underfunding prevention and support systems for women in danger. During a previous femicide spike in 2021 the CAQ promised to expand shelters and funding for services but currently at the time of writing the provincial government is short 33% of its targets.To learn more about the roots of this violence Local 514 host, Kalden Dhatsenpa, spoke to Shennel Hunte and Alham Mahmod, two representatives from Women AWARE, a survivor-led group offering peer-support for people who are and have experienced intimate partner violence.Shennel and Alham detail the work their org is doing as well as their opinion that this rise in femicides….might not be a new trend at all, but rather a crisis that has long gone under-recognized.To learn more tune in for the full discussion.If this discussion resonates with you, support is available. Here are places you can reach out to for support. You are not alone.Women AWAREHotline: 514-489-1110Email: [email protected] resources: https://www.womenaware.ca/en/servicesCAVAC (Crime Victims Assistance Centre)Phone: 514-842-4780Toll-free: 1-866-532-2822Website: cavac.qc.ca/en/SOS violence conjugalePhone (Montreal): 514-873-9010Toll-free: 1-800-363-9010Text: 438-601-1211Email: [email protected]