A few days ago, I spent time talking with Cindy Cowan, the Executive Director of a shelter for abused women called the Interim Place.

The Interim Place has been in operation for twenty-seven years, providing shelter, support, counseling and advocacy for abused women and their children; they are committed to a philosophy of feminism, anti-racism and anti-oppression. 

Cindy has been working with victims of domestic violence for over twenty years, and has been with the Interim Place for three.  When I asked her if she thought the money put towards implementation of Canada’s Firearms Act would have been better spent on social services for abused women, as many opposed to the Act have argued, her answer was no. 

Spending money on ‘patching women up’ is not the solution to ending domestic violence, according to Cowan.  While providing funding for shelters and other resources to help women who have been domestically abused is a necessity, developing and passing legislative policies (such as the Firearms Act) to prevent abuse from ever taking place works to eliminate that necessity. 

Violence against women is a very serious gender-based human rights violation, and obstructs equality between men and women.  Thus, investing money into the implementation of policies like the Firearms Act is vitally important in aiding victims of abuse, and combating a serious women’s rights issue.  Cindy spoke about this during our interview, and the following video includes a small portion of what she said.   

In closing, I need to address the claim made by pro gun advocates that I, and advocates like me, have been trying to win battles through emotional appeal.  I disagree with this statement as making the assertion, for example, that women are statistically more likely to be the victims of domestic violence is not emotionally, but rather factually, fueled.  I must say, however, that after spending nearly two hours with Cindy, it is hard not to bring emotion into the debate of why gun control is needed to help thwart abuse.   

Cindy was kind enough to show me around the shelter during my visit, pointing things out like the intake office for women seeking refuge at the Interim Place, and the playroom for kids.  I also got to see the room where donations are kept; there were a lot of used clothing and everyday household items, toiletries, and toys. 

When I saw the mismatched sheets, dishes and twenty year old coats that are provided to women when they leave the Interim Place, it made me understand more clearly why many women are scared to leave abusive relationships. 

Women who find the courage to leave volatile situations are forced to abandon their lives and their belongings, and are confined for months to dorm room-like living conditions in order to keep themselves and their children safe. 

When they do take the step to begin a new life, they must often do so with someone else’s used sheets and outgrown clothes.   How is this fair?  How is it, I wonder, that there are individuals that consider their privilege of owning a firearm more worthy than the right to safety and protection, afforded to all Canadian citizens by their government?