On Saturday, December 6, 2025, more than 100 participants from Prescott-Russell community gathered in Casselman, Hawkesbury, and Rockland for vigils organized by the Prescott-Russell Coalition to End Violence Against Women. Since 2011, these vigils have honored the lives of the 14 women murdered during the 1989 tragedy at Montréal’s École Polytechnique, as well as the victims of femicides in Prescott-Russell, including 11 women and 3 children who lost their lives.
These vigils are also a time to honor the victims of femicides, with 40 already recorded in 2025, as well as those still living under the threat of violence and struggling to survive. These preventable tragedies leave behind devastated families and deeply affected communities. Held as part of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, the vigils remain a powerful moment of memory and awareness, reminding us that gender-based violence continues to be a scourge requiring vigilance and collective action. The Coalition also wishes to highlight the contribution of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, which since November 27, 2013, has recognized December 6 as the Day of NON-Violence. This regional initiative offers hope for a safer life for the women of our community.
“We salute the commitment of municipal leaders, our community partners, and the men of Prescott-Russell who proudly wear the White Ribbon during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This symbolic gesture reaffirms, year after year, the willingness of men to contribute concretely to ending violence against women and girls, and to building a community truly committed to the well-being of victims and survivors of violence,” shared Marie Lemay, member of the Coalition and Executive Director of Prescott-Russell Victim Services.
Today, more than ever, we must unite our efforts to change this reality. Let us strengthen support networks, raise our voices, and stand with survivors. Every act of solidarity matters. Together, we must demand stronger measures so that women can live in safety, dignity, and equality.
