A tragic incident involving a deadly triple stabbing in Vancouver has brought attention to the concerning rise of gender-based violence in British Columbia. The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) recently confirmed that one of the victims, Jinfeng Guan, who lost her life in the attack that occurred near Joyce Street and Vanness Avenue on Sept. 5, was the former spouse of the accused, 54-year-old Viet Quy John Ly. Ly is currently facing two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the incident.
Angela Marie MacDougall from Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) is urging the police to disclose more information about the relationship between the accused and the victims. MacDougall emphasized the importance of understanding the prevalence of intimate-partner related violence in Canada, particularly in British Columbia, where a disturbing number of women have lost their lives in such incidents over the past year.
BWSS is calling for immediate action from the government to enhance victim support services and implement systemic reforms to tackle the underlying causes of gendered violence. MacDougall highlighted the urgent need for risk assessments to be mandated and for increased funding to support services, citing a significant increase in demand for victim support programs.
MacDougall expressed concern over the lack of information regarding Ly’s relationship with the other two women involved in the tragic event. Ly is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 28.
In a separate development, the federal Conservatives are pushing for stricter legal measures to combat intimate partner violence. A proposed private member’s bill by B.C. MP Frank Caputo suggests automatic first-degree murder charges for individuals accused of killing a current or former partner, along with provisions for easier detainment of suspects to conduct risk assessments promptly.
While MacDougall views the bill as a positive step forward, she believes more comprehensive actions are needed to address the issue effectively. She emphasized the importance of mandatory risk assessments for individuals charged with intimate partner violence to ensure swift and appropriate intervention.
McCourt’s family, who lost Bailey McCourt in a tragic incident, has also advocated for similar measures in response to the violence that claimed her life.