Why Are Women Dying in BC??

💔 Why Are Women Dying? Because Too Many Still Have No Way Out

By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita
July 24, 2025

In just three weeks, five women in British Columbia were murdered—each by someone they knew, a partner or former partner. The YWCA is calling this what it is: femicide.

This is not new. This is not rare. This is not “unfortunate.”

This is a systemic failure that continues to kill women—and gender-diverse people—because we are not seen as a priority. Our safety, our housing, our ability to leave abusive situations is treated as optional. And too often, it’s only when someone dies that people pay attention.

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🚨 There’s No Help If You Want to Leave

People always say: “Why didn’t she leave?” But what if there’s nowhere to go? What if you can’t afford rent? What if every job application is rejected? What if shelters are full? What if the government gives you $1,000/month to survive—but rent is $1,800?

For many of us, the only options are to stay, or die on the street.

I’ve been there. I’ve been in violent, abusive relationships—verbally, emotionally, and financially. And I stayed longer than I wanted because I couldn’t afford to leave. That’s the reality for far too many women.

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⚠️ This Is a Crisis — And It Is Preventable

Women are being killed because the system gives them no exit. The YWCA and so many other groups have demanded change:

• 🏛️ Declare gender-based violence an epidemic
• 🔎 Review every femicide to learn from it
• 🏠 Invest in long-term, low-barrier housing for survivors
• 💼 Create real job support for women on assistance or escaping violence

We don’t want headlines. We want options. We want safety. We want freedom. And we want to live.

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💡 If You or Someone You Know Needs Help:

VictimLink BC (Free, 24/7, Multilingual)
📞 Call or text: 1-800-563-0808
📧 Email: 211-VictimLinkBC@uwbc.ca

Talk to someone. You're not alone. Help is out there—but we also need to demand better help, safer systems, and real support.

We can’t fix this alone. But together, we can make sure no one has to suffer in silence again.

With strength, love, and fire,
Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita
🌐 zipolita.com | Facebook | Twitter