Protesters call for more action on domestic violence after 8 women killed this year

Protesters in cities across the province are calling on the Quebec government to do more to prevent domestic violence after a rash of homicides involving romantic partners over the past few months.

The protests come as Quebec provincial police confirmed this week there hasbeen an eighth woman killed so far this year.

Last week,Kataluk Paningayak-Naluiyuk, 43, was found dead along with her partnerPeter Ainalik, 44,inIvujivik, a fly-in community of about 400 people in Nunavik.

The Sret du Qubec says it can now confirmPaningayak-Naluiyukwas killed by Ainalik, who then killed himself.

Paningayak-Naluiyuk's sisterMaggie Naluiyuk, has saidKataluk's marriage wasmarked by violence. She said hersister had more than once been transported to Montreal for treatment in hospital.

Several hundred peoplegathered in La Fontaine Park for the Montreal demonstration, marchingon a sunny but cold afternoon. They held signs and banners with messagessuch as,"It's enough!" and "Stop femicides."

Other protests for the cause were also held in Quebec City, Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Rimouski, Baie-Comeau, Rouyn-Noranda, Cowansville, Longueuil and Matane, among others.

Kataluk Paningayak-Naluiyuk was found dead just days after Rebekah Harry died in hospital after being assaulted byher partner in Montreal on March 20.

They are preceded byNadge Jolicoeur, Myriam Dallaire, Sylvie Bisson, Nancy Roy, Marly douard and Elisapee Angma.

Faced with a worrying number ofmurdered women in the province this year, organizations helping victims of domestic violence have repeated appeals for help and funding.

They say they are overwhelmed andare struggling to accept all requests for help, which they say have skyrocketed since the beginning of the pandemic.

The organizations say confinement measures enabled violent spouses to strengthen the hold they have over their partners.

The Legault governmentsays it will invest $22.5 million over five years to finance shelters for victims of domestic violence.But several organizations say it's not enough to face the demand.

If you're in immediate danger, call 911. If you need help, SOS violence conjugale is a province-wide toll-free crisis line, available 24/7.

You can reach them at 1-800-363-9010 by phone, or via text at 438-601-1211 You can also look for information onSOS's new website.