WARNING: this article contains content related to domestic violence (gender-based violence), which may be distressing to some readers. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has been harmed by domestic violence (gender-based violence), contact Archway Society for Domestic Peace at 250-542-1122 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
A group rallied in front of the B.C. Legislature Monday to draw attention to the 16 women who were killed by men in British Columbia in 2024, including Lumby's own Tatjana Stefanski.
A silent vigil was organized by Vancouver Rape Relief and participants held signs with women's names, ages, and the date of their murder.
鈥淲e are here to mourn the women and to demand systemic change," said Vancouver Rape Relief鈥檚 spokeswoman Hilla Kerner in a release.
Many of the signs noted that the woman was killed by her male partner or ex-partner and according to Kerner the organizers had to add another sign Monday morning as the Vancouver Police Department released a statement on the death of 26-year-old Roshnee Gurung, who was killed on Friday night (Nov. 22). Her husband is charged with her murder.
Tatjana, 44, was killed April 13 in Lumby. Her ex-husband faces a charge in connection with her death. Vitali Stefanski is accused of second-degree murder of Tatjana with a pre-trial conference scheduled for Dec. 20.
鈥淪ome of these women reported their partners鈥� threats and violence to police or family court but protection orders do not protect women and restraining orders do not restrain violent men,鈥� said Kerner. 鈥淢en who are arrested for committing violence are often charged but immediately released until their trial with conditions that do not prevent them from murdering their women victims.鈥�
Four of the signs only read 'woman' as the vigil organizers were not able to find their names while reviewing police news releases and media reports.
"We want to know their names,鈥� said Kerner, 鈥渁nd we want the BC Coroners Service to conduct an inquest for each case of femicide. The public needs to know what could have been done to protect them so we can demand and press for change.鈥�
Tatjana's boyfriend, Jason Gaudreault, has been fighting for justice since the tragic death of the Lumby mother.
"I really hope Tatjana and our story travels worldwide to hopefully make drastic and much needed change to programs and policies and laws," his latest social media post reads. "The pain this has cause myself and her children will haunt us for a long time. I do not wish for anyone to ever have to be in our positions. The pain is unimaginable that someone who loved so hard and strong was taken over such anger."
- with files from Greater Victoria News
