‘That grief, we carry it every day': Breanna Broadfoot's family plans vigil; calls for end to Intimate Partner Violence
Police say the suspect stabbed Breanna and another person before being shot by officers. He later died in hospital.
Since then, her family has been fighting to raise awareness about intimate partner violence and this Friday, they're inviting the community to stand with them.
'It's going to be a difficult day, emotionally and personally. But we deal with that you know, that grief every day,' said Brenna's father Brett Broadfoot.
The Broadfoots, with support from Anova and the London Abused Women's Centre, are hosting a memorial event on Friday at Ed Blake Park.
From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., people can drop off hygiene donations, enjoy food and hear from community leaders about the urgent need to end violence against women.
The Executive Director of the London Abused Women's Center (LAWC) Jennifer Dunn says although progress is being made, more needs to be done.
'There is a lot better communication, a lot more opportunities to work together. But it's not fast enough. We need to have a coordinated community response to end violence against women. And that's the bottom line.'
Both agencies will be there to connect people with resources and remind survivors that they are not alone.
Breanna's family also wants people to know how she gave. Even in death, her organ donations saved five lives.
'Breanna always wanted to help people… She's just a real giver and full of life, and a huge heart,' said Brett. 'She was a hero,' echoed her mother, Jessica.
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Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
Advocates describe ‘heartbreaking' verdict in Hockey Canada trial
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Global News
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Shoplifting on the rise in B.C., but one group says stores have given up reporting
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Edmonton Journal
5 hours ago
- Edmonton Journal
'Public narrative was one-sided': Hockey Canada sex assault defence lawyers respond to verdict
Five former Canadian world junior hockey players were found not guilty in a high-profile sexual assault trial related to a 2018 incident in London, Ont. The case had sparked a national reckoning over hockey culture, and what is and what isn't considered consent. Here's how the lawyers for Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Callan Foote reacted to Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia's verdict, which was delivered in a London courtroom on Thursday. Article content Article content Article content Mr. McLeod will not be speaking to the media, and I understand the other players will not be speaking to the media. I will not be taking questions and other counsel who come to address you, they will not be taking any questions. Article content Mr. McLeod had confidence in the Justice process, and he welcomes Justice Carrocia's decision, confirming that he and his co defendants are not guilty of sexual assault. Justice Carrocia's carefully reasoned decision represents a resounding vindication for Mr. McLeod and for his co defendants. Justice Carrocia's found that the complainant's testimony was incredible and was unreliable. Article content For years, public perception was shaped by a one-sided narrative from a civil lawsuit that went unchallenged. In large part because hockey Canada settled the claim without first informing or consulting the players. The decision was made unilaterally, and the players were only told of the lawsuit and the settlement after the fact. Had they been consulted, they would have refused to settle, and they would have vigorously contested EM's allegations. Article content Article content That version of events dominated headlines and created a lasting and, a false, a false impression of guilt. It was only through this criminal trial that the allegations were fully and finally tested. The court compared the complainant's 2018 statements to the police, which rightly resulted in no charges with the later conflicting civil claim. Key elements of EM's story were contradicted by the evidence, exposing serious falsehood and leading to today's clear and just verdict of not guilty. Justice Carrocia rejected EM's claims of fear and her claims of non consent. That should be the takeaway from today's judgment. Article content Article content The damage to Mr. McLeod's reputation and his career has been significant. But today's decision begins to restore what was very unfairly taken away from him. Mr. McLeod is deeply grateful to his family, friends, his agent, and everybody who stood by him.
