On September 22, 2015, the Take Back the Night march in Renfrew County was suddenly called off. This annual event, observed in various locations globally, shines a light on violence against women. However, on that particular evening, police cordoned off three different properties in the Ottawa Valley, leaving families and residents bewildered. Earlier that day, a local man went on a rampage across the expansive rural county, brutally killing three women: Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk, and Nathalie Warmerdam.
Subsequently, revelations surfaced indicating that the perpetrator had a history of abusing women, a fact known to community members, law enforcement, and the judicial system. This disclosure sparked calls for reform amidst the profound shock and anguish felt by many in the community.
Lori Norwood, the director of the Renfrew County Sexual Assault and Rape Crisis Support Centre and the organizer of the 2025 Take Back the Night march in Killaloe, remarked that the wounds from the tragic incident still feel fresh. She emphasized that many individuals remain fearful, hurt, and defensive, as if the events occurred just yesterday.
Despite a decade passing since the tragic killings, advocates like Norwood highlight that substantial efforts to enhance women’s safety commenced three years ago following a prominent coroner’s inquest that generated 86 recommendations. Much of the progress in this regard has been grassroots-driven.
Malcolm Warmerdam, who lost his mother, Nathalie, at the age of 18 during the tragic incident, has since become an activist. Reflecting on his experiences, Warmerdam emphasized the need to become an expert to advocate for necessary changes, citing the systemic failures and shortcomings that exist.
The coroner’s inquest recommendations underscored the importance of accountability, enhanced systemic approaches, improved collaboration and communication among service providers, education, training, intervention, and safety measures. Progress has been observed at the local level, with Kirsten Mercer, a lawyer representing End Violence Against Women – Renfrew County at the inquest, noting positive signs amidst ongoing efforts to enhance community safety.
Initiatives such as declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic in 106 Ontario municipalities have been pivotal. This declaration, the first recommendation from the inquest, has served as a catalyst for broader awareness and action against gender-based violence.
Mary Leigh Elliot, the executive director of Victim Services of Renfrew County, highlighted the improved collaboration between her organization and the police as a significant outcome of the inquest. She acknowledged that positive changes have emerged from the tragedy, allowing for enhanced support services and opportunities for those affected.
Efforts to address these issues have also seen the introduction of 70 “abuse issues investigators” by the Ontario Provincial Police across the province, with a victim-centric and trauma-informed approach. Nonetheless, Julianna Morin, coordinator of End Violence Alliance of Renfrew County, stressed the need for further measures to ensure survivors are heard, believed, and promptly supported without unnecessary barriers.
Recent months have seen shifts in language, with Ottawa and Kingston police services referring to recent murders as “femicides” in their communications. This linguistic change, attributed to improved relations between advocacy groups and justice sector partners, underscores the importance of mutual trust and respect in fostering community safety.
While positive trends are noted, there is a consensus among experts that prevention remains paramount in combating intimate partner violence. Pamela Cross, an advocate and member of Ontario’s Domestic Violence Death Review Committee, emphasized the significance of exploring alternative justice models alongside the criminal law system to offer more comprehensive solutions.
For individuals impacted by family or intimate partner violence, crisis lines and local support services are available. In cases of immediate danger or safety concerns, it is advised to contact emergency services promptly.
