Families Honor Victims as Newfoundland Launches Purple Ribbon Campaign

UPDATE: Families gathered in a packed lobby at the Confederation Building in St. John’s to launch the annual Purple Ribbon Campaign, a poignant ceremony honoring victims of gender-based violence. The event took place on November 25, 2023, marking the start of 16 days of activism aimed at raising awareness about this pressing issue.

In a heartfelt address, Lisa Lake shared her personal grief over the disappearance of her daughter, Cortney Lake, who has been missing since June 7, 2017. “Grief is something we carry, but I’ve also learned that love, community, and purpose can help us carry it together,” she said, urging attendees to transform their pain into action. Cortney’s case remains unsolved, with her ex-boyfriend, Philip Smith, named as the sole suspect before his death by suicide later that year.

The Purple Ribbon Campaign has been a vital initiative in Newfoundland and Labrador since 2016, with new statistics revealing that over 11 million Canadians have experienced gender-based violence or intimate partner violence at least once since the age of 15, according to Women and Gender Equality Canada.

Lake’s emotional plea resonated deeply with the audience. “The day my daughter was murdered is the day my world split in two,” she expressed. Her family continues to seek any information that could help in their search for Cortney, reiterating their call for public assistance.

Government officials also addressed the urgent need for change. Helen Conway Ottenheimer, Minister for Women and Gender Equality, declared that silence around gender-based violence is no longer an option. “Change begins when we choose courage together,” she stated, announcing a new violence prevention campaign set to launch in the coming year.

Additionally, Premier Tony Wakeham highlighted his commitment to increasing police presence and improving the justice system to better support victims. “We need to start by changing hearts, minds, and systems,” he said during the event.

In a significant move, the provincial NDP called for the government to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic in Newfoundland and Labrador. This declaration could pave the way for better funding for non-profit women’s rights organizations and proactive violence prevention measures.

As the Purple Ribbon Campaign unfolds, the community stands united in memory of the lives lost to gender-based violence, with advocates like Lisa Lake leading the charge for meaningful change. “Change will come. I feel change will come,” she affirmed, embodying the hope that resonates throughout the event.

Stay connected for ongoing updates on the Purple Ribbon Campaign and efforts to combat gender-based violence in Newfoundland and Labrador.