Maison d’Haïti is calling for greater action against domestic violence after two women were killed in Montreal’s Saint-Michel district within 48 hours.
The organization said Thursday it was mourning the deaths of 44-year-old Leakkhena Seng, who was killed Saturday, Aug. 15, and 41-year-old Kerline Jean, who was killed two days later in her Saint-Michel apartment.
Both deaths were linked to domestic violence. Montreal Police (SPVM) confirmed that Jean’s death occurred in a domestic violence context, and children were in the apartment at the time of the tragedy.
“Two women killed within days in the same neighborhood cannot be considered mere isolated incidents. Behind these femicides, there are shattered lives, traumatized families, and children who will bear the consequences of this violence for a long time. We must collectively refuse to trivialize violence against women,” says Arcelle Appolon, Director General of Maison d’Haïti.
The organization expressed its condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones, with particular concern for children and family members who witnessed the violence.
Maison d’Haïti said the deaths highlight the broader social impact of domestic violence and the barriers some immigrant and racialized women can face when seeking help, including isolation, economic insecurity, lack of awareness of available resources, linguistic or cultural barriers and fear of losing family or social networks.
“It is imperative that support, shelter, psychosocial assistance, and protection services be accessible to all women, regardless of status, origin, or social condition,” the organization said.
With elections approaching, Maison d’Haïti is also calling on political parties to include concrete policies and measures to combat femicide in their platforms.
“We cannot wait for another tragedy to occur before we act. Every sign of violence must be taken seriously. Every woman who asks for help must be able to find an open door. Every child exposed to violence must be able to receive support. And every victim must know that she is not alone,” emphasizes Appolon.
The organization is inviting residents of Saint-Michel and the general public to attend a march and vigil Saturday, Aug. 22, in memory of Seng, Jean and other victims of violence.
The walk will begin at 9 a.m. at Papineau Square in Frédéric-Back Park and will follow the park trail. Participants will return to Papineau Square at 10 a.m. for speeches, readings and testimonies.
Maison d’Haïti is also urging community members to break the silence surrounding domestic violence and reaffirming its commitment to supporting immigrant women and their families.
“Leakkhena, Kerline, and all women who are victims of violence, you will always live on through our actions.”
