Advocates Demand Mandatory Inquests for Femicide Cases in British Columbia

Calls grow for systemic reforms as femicide rates in B.C. reach critical levels, with over 20 women killed annually despite protection orders.

A report by Battered Women's Support Services highlights systemic failures in enforcing protection orders for victims of intimate partner violence in B.C.
Advocates are pushing for mandatory coroner's inquests for every femicide case involving a protection order to uncover systemic gaps and drive reforms.
Femicide rates in British Columbia have doubled since 2010, with over 20 women killed annually in recent years, according to preliminary data.
Key recommendations include extending protection orders to two years, prioritizing child safety in family law, and standardizing enforcement of breaches across police jurisdictions.
Advocates are also urging the province to declare gender-based violence an epidemic to address the crisis with greater urgency and systemic change.