A Safe Place for All

Our attention has been focused south of the border this past week as we've attempted to understand the terrible carnage perpetrated in Las Vegas by a gunman whose motives we'll likely never know. Four Canadians died while at the concert which was the focus of the gunfire and a number of others were injured, some seriously.

Because of the enormity of this crime we may not be as aware of the trial of a multiple murderer here in Canada. In rural Ontario two years ago a man systematically hunted down three women with whom he'd had relationships and shot them dead. In the first days of the trial it's apparent that he is unrepentant and feels justified in committing these crimes.

I've mentioned before that during the decade Ruth, my wife, worked at a shelter for women and children leaving abusive relationship I became much more aware of the prevalence of this sort of violence. It's not always murder, but there are regular reports of physical attacks and injury against women, usually by their partners. It's not a matter of social class. A wealthy surgeon can kill his physician wife and dump her body as though it is trash.

I realize that this is a dark subject on Thanksgiving Weekend, but there are women who are wondering how they can leave abusive relationships right now, and whether getting out will result in the sort of retribution which is on trial at the moment.

We can be thankful for the life-giving relationships we enjoy and pray for hope for those who feel trapped.