Report GunViolence FA

THE FORGOTTEN VICTIMS
OF GUN VIOLENCE
A YWCA Toronto Report Examining the Gendered Impacts of Gun Violence
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
YWCA Toronto is funded by the City of Toronto, the United Way of Greater Toronto, the Province of Ontario and the
Government of Canada, as well as numerous foundations, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.
We would like to thank York University’s Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies Internship Awards program
and, in particular, Sarin Saman for conducting the majority of this research on gun violence.
We are grateful for the support of programs at YWCA Toronto, including but not limited to, the staff at Bergamot
Apartments, the Girls’ Centre, and the Teen Mothers’ program.
Published by YWCA Toronto, October, 2019.

To be cited as: YWCA Toronto (2019). The Forgotten Victims of Gun Violence. Toronto: YWCA Toronto.
www.ywcatoronto.org
ABOUT YWCA TORONTO

YWCA Toronto is dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls.
We help women and their children escape and recover from violence, move out of poverty, and access safe and
affordable housing. We also work with young girls to build their leadership and critical thinking skills. Our
Association serves over 13,000 individuals in more than 30 programs every year.
YWCA Toronto operates in communities that stand on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and
Petun First Nations, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The territory was the
subject of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy and
the Ojibwe and allied nations to share peacefully and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.
Today, the meeting place of Toronto is still the home to many Indigenous people and we are grateful to have the
opportunity to work on this territory as we strive to build a more equitable and just city for all residents.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Terminology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
I. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
II. Literature Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
A. Mothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
B. Disenfranchised Grief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
C. Teenage Girls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
III. Impacts on Women and Girls at YWCA Toronto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
A. Bergamot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
B. Girls’ Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
C. Teen Mothers’ Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
IV. Policy and Programmatic Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
1. Trauma-informed training and education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2. Rotating or permanent staff with specific training
in grief counselling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3. Consistent funding for community programs
to establish permanent support services for co-victims . . . . . . . . 21
4. A federal ban on handguns and assault rifles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
V. Conclusion and Suggestions for Further Research. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
1
TERMINOLOGY
CO-VICTIMS
Co-victims are people who have survived a homicide and/or have familial ties
to the homicide victim. For every homicide victim, there are approximately six
to ten family members who survive the homicide.1
VIOLENT LOSS
Violent loss refers to the violent and unexpected death of a person. Violent
death can be due to homicide, suicide, or a fatal accident.2 In this report,
violent loss refers to killing by guns or another weapon.
DISENFRANCHISED GRIEF
Disenfranchised grief is a term coined by Dr. Kenneth J. Doka, defined
as “grief that results when a person experiences a significant loss and the
resultant grief is not openly acknowledged, socially validated, or publicly
mourned.”3 Disenfranchised grief subjects the bereaved person to limited
recognition that leads to little social sympathy or support.4
PARTICIPANTS/RESIDENTS
The terms “participant” and “resident” are used interchangeably throughout
the Report to refer to individuals accessing YWCA Toronto services and/or
residing at YWCA Toronto housing sites.
I. INTRODUCTION
“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when
her shackles are very different from my own.”
— Audre Lorde
3
2018 marked one of the deadliest years on record reversed if these communities are going to heal from
for Toronto with 406 shooting incidents and 51 gun trauma and mourn the often senseless deaths of young
homicides.5 The significant spike in gun violence and men. As such, it is important to view the impacts of
gun-related deaths sparked a vocal response from gun violence through an intersectional gender lens. It is
City Council, the media and community members.6 often women in racialized communities who are left to
Residents, in particular, questioned the accuracy of reconcile the deaths of their children or family members
Toronto’s reputation as a safe city.7 Homicide rates due and ‘pick up the pieces’ in the wake of violent loss.
to guns have risen since 2015, rendering shootings the
This report examines several YWCA Toronto programs
most common method of homicide in Canada.8
to understand how the communities the Association
serves are impacted by gun violence and to identify
The increase in violent deaths has affected many
policy and programmatic opportunities for better
residents in our city and disproportionately impacted
supports. The first section provides an overview of
Black communities.9 Homicide statistics from 1995 to
academic literature on the impact of violent loss on
2005 indicate that 45 per cent of homicide victims in
particularly Black women and girls. Efforts were
Toronto are Black men, although they only constituted
made to incorporate Canadian-specific research. The
8.4 percent of the population during this time.10
concept of ‘disenfranchised grief’ is introduced in this
Although there is research exploring the connections section to describe the loss experienced by racialized
between gun violence and entrenched poverty, communities. The second section of this report
institutional racism, ease of gun access, poor housing examines the impacts of gun violence, violent loss and
conditions, and police discrimination, the impact of gun disenfranchised grief on YWCA Toronto participants,
violence on women and girls, particularly Black women as reported by staff at YWCA Toronto’s Bergamot
and girls, is scarcely explored and understood.11 The Apartments, Girls’ Centre and Teen Mothers’ Program.
lack of intersectional gender analysis has minimized The last section comprises of a list of programmatic and
and rendered invisible the very tangible and destructive policy recommendations designed to build safer and
ways guns impact communities in Toronto. Sadly, healthier communities for women and girls in Toronto.
women and girls are the forgotten victims of gun
violence. In order to effectively address rising gun violence in
our city, we absolutely require substantial government
While anti-gun violence advocates strive to eliminate investment in affordable housing, social assistance
the root causes, there is also a dire need to address the programs, well-paying jobs, and opportunities for
current and ongoing impact of gun violence on women youth – particularly marginalized youth – in tandem
and girls in our city. A limited amount of research with stronger gun control legislation. Additionally,
exists on the bereavement process for Black women. community resources that offer Black women and girls
safe spaces to grieve, heal, and connect with one another
These studies, in particular, have noted the lack of data
– particularly those offered from a trauma-informed,
on the meaning-making process for Black mothers
anti-racist, and anti-oppressive lens – are much needed.
and teen girls.12 While gun violence affects an entire
Sustained government investments to fund such
community, the trauma and loss felt by Black women is
programs are long overdue.
often excluded and minimized in conversations led by
politicians, journalists, police and community leaders. *We acknowledge the richness and diversity of Black cultures
and communities, and we resist monolithic conceptualizations of
Blackness. The term “Black” is used in this report to refer to individuals
In Toronto, Black women and girls receive limited who self-identify as Black or as having African heritage. The term is
public empathy or social services to deal with their intended to assist in centering this Report in the experiences of Black
women and girls. Anti-Black racism and Black disparities in health,
trauma related to violent loss and to support them in economic, political, and social outcomes are very real phenomena in
their grieving journeys.13 This is a trend that must be our society that require active redress.
4
II. LITERATURE REVIEW
“I can be changed by what happens to me
but I refuse to be reduced by it.”
— Dr. Maya Angelou
5
A. MOTHERS loved ones, and post-homicide encounters with the
justice system.27 Racism and sexism complicates
VIOLENT DEATH AND BLACK MOTHERS Black mothers’ experiences of coping and healing.28
A child’s death is categorized as the most severe and Furthermore, Black mothers endure persistent social,
stressful experience for parents.14 Violent death induces psychological, and financial burdens as co-victims of
the risk of psychological suffering, increasing the risk gun-related deaths.29 Therefore, as Black mothers deal
of post-traumatic stress disorder and stress-related with their bereavement processes and healing journeys,
illnesses.15 Violent death “produces direct and countless they must also manage the traumatization of their
indirect victims” who must restructure their lives family, friends and community – while pushing for the
to deal with the traumatic impacts of the loss.16 This positive legacies of their deceased loved ones.30 This
restructuring is a consequence of the loss of a child complexity is intensified due to the violent nature of
to gun violence that leaves parents in a state where their child’s death and racist stereotypes about Black
they are unable to find meaning.17 Bailey et al. claims men, which complicates the meaning-making process
that meaning-making is a significant and central part for mothers.31
of grieving because it is the process of making sense
of a death.18 Meaning-making is a critical part of the SOCIAL NETWORKS
bereavement process. Social supports from personal relationships are
significant in the bereavement process of mothers.32
For Black mothers, meaning-making can galvanize Extended social support from friends and family
them to become politically active, which is referred to reduces symptoms of grief and helps navigate
as ‘political mourning.’19 Due to the invasive and widely complicated bereavement processes.33 Violent death
depicted death of Black people, bereaved Black mothers’ alters the relationships that Black mothers once had
grief often becomes public and is publicly displayed. with their friends, relatives, and their community
“A mother’s grief can transform the marginalized, because of the stigma attached to the murder of their
racialized, and oppressed from an object bearing grief child and victim-blaming. This is further complicated
to being a subject speaking grievance.”20 Activism offers by feelings of guilt, and the bereaved blaming
a coping method for mothers’ healing and meaning- themselves for not being able to prevent the death
making processes. While this may be regarded and of their loved one(s).34 Bailey et al. found that when
promoted as positive, this sometimes disrupts Black bereaved Black mothers compared themselves to other
mothers’ right to grieve fully and in private. bereaved parents, they stated that the connection
between Black males’ death and gun violence led to
The politicization of Black death can work to empower the stigmatization of their child’s death, which caused
grieving mothers but can also interfere with the their community to treat their situations differently.35
healing process.21 The existing literature has identified This is different from White bereaved parents who do
different psychological outcomes and grieving processes not experience racial stigma around gun violence. The
for White and Black parents.22 Race-based stigma stigma of gun violence causes feelings of alienation,
and differences in racialized economic and social shame, and isolation specifically for Black mothers.
conditions all cause disruptions in the grieving process These feelings lead mothers to avoid talking about their
of Black parents and have significant psychological loss and heighten negative social interactions with
implications.23 These effects are experiences of “intense friends causing fractured relationships during a time
trauma, disenfranchised grief, and withdrawal of social when social and community supports are critically
support.”24 The trauma is prolonged and intensified by important.36
social disparities such as poverty and discrimination
that aggravate social, behavioural, and psychological Social supports for the bereaved significantly
disorders.25 contribute to their ability to cope.37 Black women rely
on immediate and extended family members, friends,
For Black mothers, grieving is further complicated neighborhood supports, and faith-based communities
because of race-based stigma, 26 socio-economic status, as primary sources of support.38 Black mothers also
gender, ethnicity, media representations of deceased access formal supports offered by Black colleges,
6
Black community service organizations, mental health
services, and religious institutions.39 Formal supports
for coping have been deemed to be effective in the
assistance of grief, although there are barriers that
prevent mothers and women from accessing formal
interventions. Negative experiences and discrimination
mean that Black families are prevented from seeking
therapeutic supports due to stigma associated with Black
death, the existence of racism within formal institutions,
and cultural barriers in healthcare and social services.40
An important factor that establishes meaningful and
effective therapeutic interventions are therapists who can
relate to the bereaved experiences and background.41 In
the research conducted for this report, these therapists
seem to be few and far between.
FAMILY
Studies suggest that Black women grieving violent
loss experience altered family support and fractured
relationships with their family members, close friends,
and social networks.42 The violent nature of their child’s
death impacts relationships with family members such
as their partners, and exacerbates the dismantling of
a functioning family unit.43 Violent loss due to guns
challenges Black mothers’ relationships with their
extended family members who sometimes change their
behaviours and attitudes towards the bereaved mother.44
Existing literature shows that when family members are
most needed, bereaved parents find themselves alone
because of family alienation.45 As a bereaved Black
mother explains, “you know some people of my family
would not even call me back, to ask how I am doing,
because to them it’s like silence; he did something wrong
and died.”46 The belief that Black men who die of gun
violence are somehow culpable for their deaths alters
the way that family members value the deceased, which
impacts the ability of Black women to fully express their
grief and find healing.
FRIENDS
The intense distress experienced by the social network
of the deceased leads to the loss of social relationships.
In the words of one bereaved mother, “If I called, they
would say I will call you back because they would think
that I want to talk about my son. It changed a lot of
relationships.”47 Black bereaved mothers experience
changing treatment from their friends that impacts
their ability to find healing and support.48 In one
study, mothers reported that their friends would avoid
7
speaking to them, visiting them, and speaking to them B. DISENFRANCHISED GRIEF
about the death of their child.49
It is important to highlight the specific and unique
THE NEED TO PROVIDE WOMEN-SPECIFIC, experiences of grieving for Black communities
SUPPORTIVE SPACES FOR HEALING to understand the way that their grief becomes
The loss of a child due to gun violence is a “traumatic disenfranchised by the media, police, and the larger
and stigmatizing phenomenon” that requires immediate community. Disenfranchised grief is a term coined by
services to “improve the coping skills and mental Dr. Kenneth J. Doka and refers to grief “that results
health outcomes of survivors.”50 Bailey et al. conducted when a person experiences a significant loss and the
a study that examines the impact of traumatic stress resultant grief is not openly acknowledged, socially
from gun-related loss on the resilience of Black mothers validated, or publicly mourned.”57 Disenfranchised
in Toronto.51 The study consisted of 48 Black mothers grief occurs when a bereaved person receives limited
aged 32-60 years who lost a child to gun violence recognition, social sympathy or public validation for his
and measured their traumatic stress, resilience, level or her loss.58 For Black Canadians, disenfranchised grief
is an outcome of racist social constructions about the
of social support, cognitive appraisal, and quality of
value of Black lives, the criminality of Black men, and
healthcare.52 The study found that there is significant
social minimization of the loss experienced by bereaved
interest among bereaved mothers to lessen their
Black women.59
traumatic stress through social support programs.53
During in-person interviews with the participants,
MEDIA REPORTING & DISENFRANCHISED GRIEF
there was an expressed need for community-based
Public policy and social behaviours towards the
programs, support groups and services that focus on violent deaths of Black men are inextricably shaped by
trauma recovery.54 Overall, mothers who received entrenched racial stereotypes about Black men being
support during the bereavement process demonstrated more prone to criminal and violent behaviour, and
more resilient coping skills. However, it was also the implication that they are inherently dangerous.60
found that Black mothers experience “withdrawal of The manner in which violence in Black communities
support, changes in social relationships, and/or negative is depicted by the media shapes mainstream discourse
reactions from their social circles following their loss.”55 about the role of Blackness in violence. Losses are
Black mothers that found themselves unable to access often depicted as an inevitable or natural outcome of
supports, whether formal or informal, experienced ‘Black-on-Black’ crime.61 Black Canadians have found
higher levels of stress and ‘disenfranchised grief,’ a it difficult to grieve loss given the widespread negative
concept that will be explored in the next section. 56 media coverage of their communities.62
8
The media participates in socially constructing an The police wanted me to come downtown and said,
image of the deceased that grieving mothers often ‘Where were you when your son was killed?’ They
do not recognize. Such depictions center on gang questioned me…They photographed me, and have
violence and highlight the poverty and criminality me on TV…. It’s not like I lost a son, oh no, the way
of the neighborhood where the shooting took place.63 they treated me…. I can guarantee that they don’t
In reporting a homicide due to gun violence, the have those two White mothers talking to them like
media also generates fear of young Black men, and the that eh! Complete injustice. A couple days later after
communities they live in.64 This frustrates bereaved my son was shot…. they have me there for
Black mothers as their children’s deaths are represented 3.5 hours.”74
in the media in biased ways and often with little factual
information.65 This framing by the media perpetuates The treatment and experience of this bereaved mother
feelings of disenfranchised grief and raises “questions shows insensitivity on the part of police officers who
about whose lives are worth grieving and whose are interacted with her, which can be re-traumatizing. This
not.”66 leads to feelings of helplessness and disempowerment on
the part of the mothers.75 There is also an overwhelming
In the study by Bailey et al., Black bereaved mothers in experience of bereaved Black mothers who believe that
Toronto reported that racism had an impact on how the police behaviour post-homicide made their ability to
public and the media constructed the narrative around cope with violent loss more difficult.76 One mother
the loss of their Black child.67 As stated by one study described having a difficult time dealing with the police,
participant, “because my son was Black, there was a lot “my son being killed was hard, so hard. Dealing with
of stigma attached to his death because they claim he the police was a nightmare… the way they talk to you
was known to the police.”68 Being “known to the police” it’s like you are not grieving.”77
is a popular narrative that the media constructs when
Black men are victims of homicide, which plays into the C. TEENAGE GIRLS
racial profiling of Black men.69
VIOLENT DEATH AND TEEN GIRLS
Tony, a participant in another Toronto-based study The violent death of a friend or family member can
that examined the issue, reported that the way that his be traumatizing, and its violent and unexpected
deceased friend, Kevin, was represented by the media nature complicates the grieving process rendering it
was problematic to his grieving process.70 Kevin was “very intense and deep.”78 This is particularly true for
framed as someone who was known to the police by the teenagers who are not well equipped to deal with violent
media, although Kevin was not a convicted criminal loss and the corresponding grief that accompanies
and was only known to the police because he was pulled it. Enduring violent loss is not typically expected at
over and his information was gathered and stored in the such a young age and could have long-lasting impacts
Toronto police database. Rather than humanizing the on a teenager’s psychological, social and emotional
loss experienced by Black communities, some media functioning.79 Young women therefore are particularly
outlets devalue the loss of Black lives by playing into vulnerable to the negative impacts of violent loss and
racist tropes about criminality. require specialized supports to overcome them.
POLICE TREATMENT Due to the disproportionate impact of homicide

AND DISENFRANCHISED GRIEF and gun violence in Black communities, Black teen
Black Canadians have shared experiences of police girls experience the loss of friends and loved ones at
scrutiny.71 Black mothers who have experienced greater numbers than other ethnic and racial groups.80
loss, in particular, share experiences of dealing with Limited research has been conducted to examine
dehumanizing treatment by police.72 Bereaved Black the bereavement process, coping methods and the
mothers expressed they are treated differently by police particular challenges faced by young Black women who
than others.73 One mother reported that she was treated must mourn the violent loss of their friends or loved
in an insensitive and interrogative manner: ones.81 This matter is further complicated due to the
9
phenomenon of disenfranchised grief and the lack of and services to cope with the effects of violent loss,
available safe and supportive spaces for young women.82 particularly on youth who are from communities that
Teenage girls must go through the typical biological, experience high rates of gun violence.90 In one study,
psychological, and social developmental shifts to Johnson found that Black girls facing grief accessed
adulthood, while dealing with the loss of murdered immediate and local supports such as: family, friends,
friends or family members.83 While Black teenage girls teachers, clergy, neighbors, and other nearby resources.91
are going through the typical process of meaning- Some teenage girls experienced disenfranchised grief
making of themselves and the world around them, because their parents were not involved with their
they must incorporate their bereavement experience as grieving process.92 Parents who are not involved with
well. Due to the intersectionality of violent death, race, their daughters’ bereavement process adversely affect
and gender, Black teenage girls’ grief is more likely to the process.93
become disenfranchised and minimized, disrupting the
healing journey.84 Social supports are significant for teenage girls. In the
early 1990s, the UCLA Trauma Psychiatry Program
MEANING-MAKING FOR TEENAGE GIRLS studied traumatic experiences with guns on youth
Traumatic death not only causes interruptions and and observed that youth who were victims of violent
restructuring of teenage girl’s development processes, injury and bereavement did not receive psychological
it also hinders the teenager’s ability to make meaning assessment or therapeutic intervention.94 They found
of the loss of their loved ones.85 Violent loss can lead that an appropriate and effective approach to coping
to symptoms of trauma, experiences of distress, and included therapeutic group intervention programs such
symptoms of sadness and longing for reconnection as trauma-focused groups that have been successful
with the deceased loved one(s).86 A qualitative study in treating violence-exposed youth.95 Other useful
examining the bereavement experiences of 21 Black interventions consist of school-led initiatives that
girls aged 16-19 who lost a friend to gun violence in a involve mental health professionals leading groups for
Northeastern U.S. city found that violent loss impacts a students who have been victimized by guns or have been
young woman’s sense of belonging and the construction exposed to gun violence.96 Professionals are extremely
of their understanding of core issues such as justice helpful to assist teenage girls in re-establishing their
and fairness, sense of belonging, self-esteem, and development processes towards adulthood by guiding
mastery and control.87 Teen girls who participated in them through the process of meaning-making around
the study had difficulty making sense of the death of the violent loss.97 The literature suggests that social
their deceased friend, although some found comfort in supports such as community services are vital to helping
religious beliefs.88 These religious beliefs restructured young women grieve, cope, and heal from traumatic
their perspective on life and provided norms on the way loss.
life is supposed to work.89 Overall, the study found that
the ability of young women to construct meaning was Thus, meaning-making is central to the resiliency
central to their resiliency and ability to fully grieve the of women and girls after violent loss. Due to racism,
loss of their friend. sexism and other inequities, Black women and girls are
more susceptible to disenfranchised grief, an experience
SUPPORT FOR TEENAGE GIRL’S that undermines the healing process. The literature also
BEREAVEMENT EXPERIENCES suggests that women and girls benefit from access to
Exposure to violence can have negative long-term therapeutic interventions and that they rely on social
implications on youth who do not access treatment supports in their healing journeys.
10
III. IMPACTS ON WOMEN & GIRLS
AT YWCA TORONTO
“The violence in the community is active and impacts us all.”
— Bergamot Community Engagement Worker
11
Although community support groups for Black women co-victims are sparse, the few programs that do exist in
Toronto have documented a positive impact on grieving women.98 One program led by the Reverend Sky Starr
operates under a peer-support model that offers a healing space for women affected by gun violence.99 Starr is a
minister, therapist and community advocate who founded G-Social (Getting a Grip on Grief), a program funded by
the Women’s College Hospital that examines the needs of women in communities impacted by the loss of young Black
men.100 G-Social helps women with grief-related trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder by providing them with
coping and healing strategies and tools.101 Most of the bereaved Black mothers that attended the counselling sessions
are from the Jane-Finch and Rexdale neighbourhoods.
Although these low-cost programs are effective, they remain scarce in a city where consistent funding for such
programs is difficult to obtain or non-existent, and awareness about the gendered impacts of gun violence is lacking.102
Indeed, for funding to occur, a need must first be articulated, and the needs of Black women are often articulated last.
While YWCA Toronto does not offer specific programs designed for women co-victims of gun violence, many of
YWCA Toronto’s program participants and residents are impacted by gun violence and receive assistance from staff.
Some program participants are mothers and girls who grieve the violent loss of their family members; others are
indirectly impacted by violence in their community. YWCA Toronto staff have been directly and indirectly impacted
by gun violence as well. Given the increase in gun violence, staff and program participants’ feelings of safety have
been compromised. This section explores the experiences of front-line staff and managers at three YWCA Toronto
programs: Bergamot Apartments in Rexdale, and the Girls’ Centre and the Teen Mothers’ Program in Scarborough.
12
A. BERGAMOT APARTMENTS, REXDALE all incidents of violence that occur nearby. Staff also
attend meetings with the Community Safety Network
Bergamot is an affordable housing apartment building – including the Somali Women and Children Support
in Rexdale comprised of 68 rent subsidized units for Network – that provides a space for women to discuss
single women and women with children. The residents the impacts of gun violence in Rexdale. Through these
of Bergamot were previously precariously housed partnerships and meetings, it has become clear that the
and many arrived fleeing gender-based violence. gendered impacts of gun violence are devastating. As
Approximately 79% of residents are racialized.103 one staff member reports, “sisters, moms, and aunts are
Bergamot strives to offer safe, permanent, and actually killing themselves because they are trying to
affordable housing to women, and women-led families. handle the loss of their son, husband, cousin, and family
In order to make the housing affordable, rent is geared members.”106 Social isolation, the lack of community,
to income. The building is 100% rent supplemented and mental health and financial supports, and the racial
residents receive a subsidy based on their income. The stigma associated with gun violence are creating poorer
building offers large one-to-four bedroom apartments health outcomes for Black women in the Rexdale
with an on-site playground, a community room, and a community. Despite high levels of violence, there has
comprehensive security system. The program features been no consistent programming that operates as a
a Community Support Worker and a Transitional and healing space for women and girl co-victims.
Housing Support Worker who specialize in supporting
vulnerable women as they transition into permanent Although gun presence and gun violence are not
housing. Staff members offer referrals, advocacy, a daily occurrence, violence in the community is
community development activities, and housing active and impacts the safety of Bergamot’s staff and
supports to help residents improve their lives and residents. With regard to community safety, front-line
transition into long-term, stable housing. An on-site staff discuss with residents the need to be mindful of
licensed Early Learning Centre (ELC) also operates at personal safety —being aware of one’s surroundings and
Bergamot and offers high-quality childcare programs cognizant of routes taken through the neighbourhood,
for children living at Bergamot, as well as to families in as well as being mindful of unknown persons seeking
the neighborhood. entry to the building. The building has also taken
precautions to ensure that the residential areas are
THE IMPACTS OF GUN VIOLENCE secure, including security cameras to monitor the
Bergamot is located in Rexdale, a district in the North- building, staffing of an on-site security guard, and
West of Toronto. Rexdale was identified as a priority upgrades to outdoor lighting.
neighborhood by the City of Toronto in 2005.104 Due
to the heightened levels of “risk of criminal and anti- INTERSECTIONALITY
social behaviour,” the City of Toronto, United Way Bergamot houses a unique group of women. It is
Greater Toronto and the Toronto Police collaborates comprised of a large racialized population of single
with the Rexdale community through an initiative women and women with children, some of whom are
called Furthering Our Community by Uniting Services newcomers. This complicates their experiences due to
(FOCUS) that aims to “reduce risk, harm, crime, intersecting migrant experience with racial stigma,
victimization, and improve community resiliency and poverty, and gender inequality. There is a high demand
wellbeing.”105 for housing in Toronto and many women and families
approach the building attempting to secure housing.
Over the past few years, staff at Bergamot have become These women navigate many bureaucratic systems
increasingly involved in community initiatives to attempting to secure safe, affordable housing with
improve community safety and reduce violence. limited finances, often fleeing gender-based violence
Staff work closely with the assigned Community and poverty.
Development Officer (CDO) from the City’s
Community Crisis Response Program (CCRP). Given In the absence of a partner, women are solely responsible
Bergamot’s partnership with the CCRP, staff are in for the finances of their family and themselves. When
regular contact with the CDO and are notified of poverty and violence intersect, it further complicates
13
the meaning-making process for co-victims because of B. YWCA TORONTO
their need to access housing, legal services, deal with GIRLS’ CENTRE, SCARBOROUGH
transportation issues, and obtain family benefits and
other services to which they are entitled.107 For many of A recent report released by YWCA Toronto titled ‘Girls
the women that reside at Bergamot trauma associated Matter,’ highlights the importance of girl-specific
with domestic violence affects their health and financial services.109 YWCA Toronto’s Girls’ Centre provides
security. developmentally appropriate programs and activities
for girls aged 9-18 in Scarborough. The Girls’ Centre
Given the multiple oppressions faced by women at constitutes a girl-positive space that fosters leadership
Bergamot (racial stigma, poverty, experiences of skills, builds self-esteem and equips girls to live
domestic violence, etc.), the threat of gun violence safely in their communities, make new friends, and
compounds existing vulnerabilities. Although Bergamot think critically about the world around them. All the
offers safe and affordable housing, residents cannot programs at the Girls’ Centre are free and provide
escape the dangers associated with the presence of TTC fare, snacks and meals.
guns in their community. Exposure to incidents of gun
violence challenges the ability of community members The Girls’ Centre features a Girls’ Council, a Girls’ Talk
to feel safe in their neighborhood. Mothers are fearful
Mentor program, a drop-in service, and an individual
of their children going outside to play and of their
support program that is solution focused and strengths-
potential involvement with gangs. Some mothers are
based. The Centre provides a secure space for girls
concerned about their high school sons being peer
to connect with peers in the community, learn from
pressured by gang members; alternatively, their sons
fear that not interacting with gang members at school
may create problems for them. One mother reported to
staff “you know I told my son not to say hi to the gang
members at school but he’s like ‘mom, I have to, because
if I don’t then that’s an issue.’”108 This makes it difficult
for mothers at Bergamot to extend the security offered
at Bergamot to their kids when they are out in the
community. These nuances – compounded by multiple
other challenges – raise much frustration, fear and
anxiety that particularly Black women must deal with.
SUPPORTS
In response to recent incidents of gun violence in the
community, staff facilitated debriefing sessions with
the CDO that residents found helpful. Staff have also
successfully applied for two small grants to provide
therapeutic interventions for residents. Staff indicate
that residents at Bergamot want community supports
that speak to the challenges related to poverty, racism,
and disenfranchised grief. However, funding for such
programs is piecemeal, reactive or simply does not
exist. Often the supports that are advertised in the
community as accessible are not affordable for residents
on fixed incomes. While helpful, small bursts of
funding ultimately do not represent a long-term service
or solution for women affected by gun violence at
Bergamot – or in the community.
14
positive role models, and discuss challenging topics in students; however, according to staff, the girls’ did not
a safe and supportive environment. The Girls’ Council respond well to the help that was offered by their school.
is very active in the community and participates in As one staff member explains, “I think that there is a lot
conferences, workshops and other events. The individual of animosity towards schools, teachers, administration
support program offers girls one-on-one assistance that existed beforehand so there is not a lot of trust with
with goal development and helps foster connection to the social workers either. Plus when they bring in the
community resources while strengthening participants’ trauma social workers the students don’t know them as
capacity to manage stress. The girls who regularly they are strangers.”112
access services at the Girls’ Centre report feeling more
empowered to speak up and advocate for women’s When young girls are co-victims of violent loss, they
rights.110 are sometimes not receptive to formal supports because
the counsellors available after a traumatic experience
IMPACTS OF VIOLENT LOSS ON GIRLS are individuals they do not know, do not trust, and that
The Girls’ Centre is located near three city-identified are not from the community.113 The fear of being judged
priority neighborhoods in Scarborough. Several Toronto and the lack of trust (due to the lack of an established
Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) complexes relationship) means that many girls will not confide
are located nearby and 85 per cent of the participants their feelings to grief counsellors. What makes grief
are racialized girls of Caribbean, Black, Middle more complex for racialized bereaved young girls is
Eastern, and South-Asian descent. Participants attend the fear of being judged and stereotyped because of the
from various parts of the city but mostly from the racial stigma attached to violent loss. Disenfranchised
priority neighborhoods nearby. Similar to the Rexdale grief, therefore, impacts young girls including
neighborhood, this area of Scarborough faces issues participants of YWCA Toronto’s Girls’ Centre.
related to violence, housing instability, poverty, racism
and other structural inequities. When asked why participants respond better to Girls’
Centre staff members than formal support, a staff
Staff report that some of the girls accessing services member explains, “Often they [formal supports] don’t
at the Centre have been directly impacted by gun reflect the demographic, so they [the participants] will
violence, as well as violent loss due to knife and machete convene, come here to the Girls’ Centre where it is a
violence. Some participants have lost close friends and safe space to talk to each other and to us.”114 Although
schoolmates to gun violence; others have grieved the staff members are not formally trained to deal with
loss of family members, community members and trauma or the impact of gun violence, the girls still
neighbours. Some participants have also been involved prefer adults they know over professionals they do not.
with guns; for example, staff report that some girls In response to this particular incident, Girls’ Centre
have been involved with “safekeeping” their boyfriend’s staff facilitated several sessions with participants
handguns. This puts girls at a greater risk of being who witnessed the homicide, as well as a group of
victims of gun violence and being prosecuted for storing girls who were more broadly impacted. These groups
illegal guns. According to staff, guns have become a day- constituted a helpful therapeutic intervention – a
to-day reality for some of the participants.111 nuanced service participants would not have been able
to access elsewhere. This specific example highlights the
BEREAVED YOUNG GIRLS importance of building relationships and establishing
Earlier in 2019, several participants at the Girls’ Centre rapport when securing trust with adolescents.
witnessed the violent killing* of their classmate in
front of their school. These participants came to the SUPPORT AND DISENFRANCHISED GRIEF
Centre afterwards to share what they had witnessed. According to staff, limited supports exist for girls who
Due to the existing relationship with staff, the girls felt are co-victims of violent loss or girls that are impacted
comfortable enough to trust staff with their traumatic by guns. Participants are hesitant to seek support
experience. Many students were impacted by the violent from their parents because they feel their parents will
loss of their peer. The school administration responded
immediately by inviting grief counsellors to support * This homicide involved a machete.
15
not understand their situation and will restrict them C. TEEN MOTHERS’ PROGRAM,
from going out. Girls may feel they are punished for SCARBOROUGH
witnessing a death because parents are often more
hesitant to let them participate in the community. The Teen Mothers’ program is a free support program
Understandably, parents become extremely protective of for mothers aged 14-22 in Scarborough. The program
their children and fear for their safety after an incidence provides mothers with an opportunity to build
of gun violence, which unfortunately leads many girls to positive parenting skills, access resources, and connect
not find comfort in sharing their traumatic experience with other young mothers in a welcoming space.
with parents. These girls tend to find comfort in the Regular group meetings and check-ins are provided
Girls’ Centre where they can access support from other by the program worker and child care staff, as well as
girls and receive non-judgmental assistance from staff. workshops on positive parenting, budgeting, nutrition,
Staff have been able to provide assistance to grieving and education. For young mothers who face multiple
participants despite not having any specialized training, challenges navigating family, educational, financial and
which admittedly limits their ability to provide the kind other community responsibilities, the program offers
of services needed for participants to properly meaning- a great opportunity for mothers to bond with their
make and grieve. This type of trauma-support also children in a relaxed and friendly environment.
comes at a personal and emotional toll for staff. Staff
members emphasize that the girls would really benefit IMPACTS OF VIOLENT LOSS ON YOUNG
from having a qualified, specialized mental health MOTHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN
worker or counsellor at the Girls’ Centre; someone The Teen Mothers’ program serves a unique demographic
who could help build the relationships needed to make of teen mothers, young mothers, and expectant young
therapy successful in crisis situations and ensure the mothers. These participants often lack adequate resources
Centre is properly resourced to deal with the issues the and preparation to become parents at a young age. The
community faces. Teen Mothers’ program aims to empower these women
and build on their strengths so they can successfully care
Despite the important work advanced by the for themselves and their children.
Girls’ Centre, it receives no funding from any level
of government. YWCA Toronto’s Philanthropy Staff reports that some of the participants in this
department, community partnerships, and other program are also impacted by gun violence and
initiatives spearheaded by the Association ensure that require greater and more specialized supports. Some
funding for Girls’ Centre programs exist and that the program participants have lost their partner to gun
Centre can remain open. Given the rise of gun violence violence. This trauma is particularly difficult for young
in the community, the complex needs of the population mothers, a group of women who already face multiple
accessing supports and services, and the importance compounding challenges and barriers. Not only is there
of creating safe, empowering spaces for girls, it is clear a shift in family dynamics, the co-victims (mother
that sustained funding for Girls’ Centre programming is and child) may be involved in court procedures and
greatly needed. While Toronto’s Youth Equity Strategy investigations. This disrupts the grieving process of the
highlights the importance of drop-in spaces and other co-victims as they are left to navigate a legal system that
services geared towards youth to minimize youth can often be re-traumatizing.
involvement with guns, it is also important to highlight
the needs of girl co-victims who require services and Young mothers and pregnant women who are co-victims
safe spaces to make meaning of their loss. Girls are face fears in the community as they are often scared
forced to carry the emotional and sometimes financial to reside in their current neighbourhoods but unable
toll of violent loss and require support mechanisms. to move. These fears are founded on feelings of being
Consistent government funding would enable the Girls’ vulnerable to situations that involve guns that may harm
Centre to hire the specialized supports needed to ensure them or their children. The violent loss of a paternal
participants can access professional services in an figure can also have a significant financial impact on the
environment conducive to the developmental needs of family. Due to the unexpected nature of the violent loss,
young women. these young women have to primarily rely on themselves.
16
are co-victims of violent loss – face a much higher rate
of poverty, housing precarity, and other structural
inequities.116 It is important that these mothers
receive the community supports needed to thrive,
particularly through programs that focus on child care,
employment, housing, and education, and help build a
support network around the young mother. In the wake
of violent loss, young mothers are the hidden victims left
to pick up the pieces, care for their child(ren) and serve
as a pillar for their child, household, and community
with very limited resources and, often, legitimacy.
YWCA Toronto’s Teen Mothers’ Program constitutes a
safe refuge and a critical space for young women who
desire to break the cycles of isolation and poverty – for
the betterment of themselves and their child.
Staff at the Teen Mothers’ Program work closely with

bereaved mothers. When asked about social supports
Staff report that many of these bereaved mothers that are present for these mothers and families, staff
receive payment from Ontario Works because they are explain that some mothers do not receive support
unable to make ends meet and some rely on part-time, from their family members or the family members of
minimum-wage jobs to cover expenses. There are often the deceased, which further complicates the mothers’
no opportunities for mothers to receive any kind of meaning-making process and undermines the mother
financial compensation or assistance from the Victim’s and child’s ability to heal. In one instance, a mother was
Witness Assistance Program if the deceased person was pregnant when her partner was fatally shot. The family
involved in a crime. Receiving financial assistance is members of the deceased denied the legitimacy of her
critical to these mothers as they need to cover funeral child. The expectant mothers’ grief was disenfranchised
costs, rent, and basic living expenses. These financial – not only because of the racial stigma associated
challenges are compounded for single mothers who stop with the loss of her partner – but because she was
receiving child support due. excluded from his family and received no recognition
or support from them. She also did not receive any
Due to violent loss, some participants at the Teen support from her own family and was left to grieve in
Mothers’ program are unable to pay their rent, which isolation.117 The Teen Mothers’ program, and similar
compromises their ability to keep their housing, raise community services, provide young women who are
their children, and maintain their mental health. Young quite vulnerable with the attention and support needed
mothers who lack resources to cope with violent loss can to improve health outcomes for both mother and child.
fall into cycles of poverty and housing instability, and
are more susceptible to gender-based violence. These Thus, it is clear from the interviews that some
mothers are disproportionately racialized, and their communities YWCA Toronto serves are impacted by
children will often grow up poor. The consequences of gun violence. YWCA Toronto is very much committed
poverty on child health are well established; poverty is to promoting women’s empowerment and resiliency by
almost always significantly associated with worse-case offering safe, affordable housing, community programs
outcomes for children and limits their ability to reach for young women, and various other services. While the
their full potential. 115 Association strives to meet the needs of co-victims, it
struggles to do so given the lack of government funding
SUPPORTS FOR BEREAVED YOUNG MOTHERS for programs geared toward the gendered impacts of
In a city where one out of four children lives in poverty, violent loss, and a lack of funding more generally for
it is clear that teen mothers – and especially those who programs focused on young women.
17
IV. POLICY & PROGRAMMATIC
RECOMMENDATIONS
“As a women’s organization that shelters and serves victims
of violence, YWCA Toronto sees first-hand the harmful effects
of guns in the lives of women and children.”
— Heather McGregor, CEO YWCA Toronto
18
It is evident from both the academic literature and interviews with YWCA Toronto staff that the current social
support system in Toronto is woefully inadequate in addressing the gendered impacts of gun violence. The lack of
recognition that women and girls are affected by safety concerns in their community, and the lack of funding for
programs that aim to support women and girls in their healing journeys, has come at significant social, financial, and
health costs particularly for Black women and their children – a group that is already disproportionately impacted by
economic and political marginalization.
This section focuses on several policy and programmatic recommendations that will enhance community solutions to
violence. It is important that the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario, and the federal government recognize the
impact of violent loss on women and girls and create dedicated funding streams to support co-victims. Incorporating
an intersectional gender lens will help formulate policy responses that are responsive to community needs. Without a
gender lens, the impacts on women and girls will remain hidden and forgotten, resulting in devastating consequences
for them, their families and their communities. Therefore, in tandem with addressing the root causes of gun violence,
investment in supports for Black mothers and girls who are co-victims is urgently needed. Four key ideas will be
explored in this section, including the importance of
1. T
rauma-informed training and education;
2. R
otating or permanent staff with specific training in grief counselling;
3. C
onsistent funding for community programs to establish permanent support services for co-victims; and,
4. A
federal ban on handguns and assault rifles.
1. TRAUMA-INFORMED STAFF a trauma-informed workplace. Launched in 2017, the

Trauma Informed Education and Development (TIDE)
PROBLEM project is a four-year initiative funded by the Public
In order to serve communities impacted by gun violence Health Agency of Canada designed to support an
effectively, it is important for organizations to become organizational shift toward Trauma-Informed Practice
trauma-informed. Staff members who interact in a (TIP) across the Association.
frontline capacity with participants are susceptible to
vicarious trauma and are sometimes the first point TIP is a system-wide approach based on an
of contact with participants after traumatic loss. 118 understanding that many forms of violence and trauma
Therefore, staff members are involved in the healing are common. The majority of women who access YWCA
journeys of participants and must be properly trained Toronto services have experienced violence and trauma,
to prevent the re-traumatization of co-victims and and some staff members have experienced first-hand
minimize unintended behaviour that delegitimize or vicarious trauma as well. This project responds
feelings of loss. Mishandling situations and interactions to the need for consistent association-wide training,
with co-victims can exacerbate and reinforce information sharing, and organizational change in the
disenfranchised grief. Program staff are not trained Association’s response to violence and trauma.
trauma counsellors and they are underequipped to deal
with some of the challenges participants face given the TIP includes a universal understanding of trauma in all
level of complexity of issues present in the community – aspects of service delivery and prioritizes safety, choice
a phenomenon that can lead to professional burnout.119 and control. TIP is not about treating trauma; rather, it
works at the participant, staff, agency and system level
SOLUTION from the core principles of trauma awareness, safety and
In order to serve better the communities it works with, trustworthiness, choice and collaboration, and building
YWCA Toronto has taken the important step to become of strength and skills.
19
The TIDE Organizational Change Framework has been not reflect the demographic of the community either.
developed to serve as a guide for an organizational shift The lack of shared lived experience and established
at YWCA Toronto in adopting and integrating TIP rapport provides ineffective solutions for co-victims and
across the Association. Shifts toward TIP are expected can exacerbate experiences of disenfranchised grief.
at the participant level, the program/site level and the
organizational level. Currently, all staff have undergone The Crisis Prevention Program by the City of Toronto
trauma-informed training and while it is too early to provides support only immediately after incidents
measure the impact and effectiveness of this program, it of violence. Women can receive support from this
signals YWCA Toronto’s commitment to ensuring the program for a limited period of time following an
well-being of employees and the communities it serves. incident of violent loss, but the financial, social, and
health implications of violent loss persist long after
RECOMMENDATION the initial shock. Co-victims are often unaware of
It is recommended that organizations in Toronto services that might exist in the community heightening
prioritize and invest in trauma-informed education and the experience of isolation and disenfranchised grief.
practice. Investment in TIP that is anti-racist and anti- Some of the services offered are not culturally sensitive
oppressive, in particular, will enable staff to recognize and perpetuate racial stigma around gun homicide.
disenfranchised grief and better support racialized Without access to on-going social supports – and
women and girls. In addition, education around racial informed, culturally-sensitive care – women co-victims
stigma and gun violence must also occur to work with become further marginalized and isolated in their own
vulnerable groups. Trauma-informed sessions should communities.
be led by trained educators who understand at least
some of the complexities and challenges faced by the SOLUTION
communities served and the types of scenarios staff For these reasons, it is recommended that YWCA
encounter. By ensuring all staff are properly trained, Toronto, and other community organizations providing
harm towards Black women co-victims, in particular, frontline services, hire permanent staff trained in
will be reduced and staff will be better equipped to grief counselling. A permanent, rotating staff member
respond to challenging situations involving guns, – or several such employees – could effectively serve
disenfranchised grief and violent loss. YWCA Toronto’s facilities and ensure the communities
YWCA Toronto serve have access to community-based
2. ROTATING OR PERMANENT counsellors as required. Such counsellors could provide
GRIEF COUNSELLORS meaningful grief and trauma counselling following
incidents of gun violence and facilitate support groups
PROBLEM for women and girls affected by gun violence on a
A recommendation that was brought forward by YWCA permanent basis. Also highlighted by YWCA Toronto
Toronto Girls’ Centre staff is the importance of hiring a staff is the importance that grief counsellors reflect the
permanent and/or rotating staff member that is trained diversity of the communities served and operate from
to provide grief counselling. When gun violence occurs an anti-oppressive and anti-racist framework.
in a community, frontline staff members inevitably
respond to such issues despite limited qualifications RECOMMENDATION
in grief counselling. Registered grief counsellors and The hiring of permanent staff members trained in grief
psychotherapists possess the necessary qualifications and trauma counselling to rotate across different sites
and training to provide therapy to co-victims accessing and build relationships with YWCA Toronto residents
services. While grief counsellors and therapists are and participants. It is also recommended that more
offered through external partners, reliance on external community organizations in Toronto, particularly
supports has negative implications for participants, housing and other frontline service providers, prioritize
particularly if they are young. These specialists usually hiring staff trained in grief and trauma counselling. It is
do not have pre-existing relationships with participants, important that such staff members reflect the diversity
may be disconnected from the community, and might of the communities served.
20
3. PERMANENT SUPPORT Although permanent spaces are crucial, the shape they
SERVICES & CONSISTENT FUNDING take should be considered. An existing model by the
Reverend Starr offers monthly grieving sessions where
PROBLEM bereaved mothers meet and talk about grieving, their
In response to two separate incidents of gun violence experiences, and coping with violent loss.121 These
in the Rexdale community, YWCA Toronto staff at sessions offer mothers a sense of support mitigating
Bergamot were able to secure two small grants from the feelings of isolation and are led by a grief counsellor
Community Crisis Reponses fund. With these grants, who is both a community activist and a Black woman,
staff organized a dinner of hope, a self-care workshop, so mothers feel more comfortable exploring meaning-
a healing walk, and a lunch for residents. A registered making without being stigmatized.122 This type of
psychotherapist was invited to facilitate healing and program provides participants with appropriate
art therapy workshops, including a session on deep supports that aim to enhance community connection,
breathing and mindfulness. According to staff, these promote healing and eliminate disenfranchised grief.
sessions were well received by residents but cannot
continue once the funding runs out.120 Staff report that Perhaps there is an opportunity for YWCA Toronto to
what would be helpful for many women at Bergamot develop more substantive community partnerships with
is access to a permanent staff person or program that grassroots organizations and cultural groups that exist
facilitates healing, connection, meditation, mindfulness, in the community, and a greater effort should be made
and one-on-one counselling. Given the socio-economic to reach out to specific intersecting identities that exist
background of residents, most are not able to afford a within the community, often at the margins. Without
psychologist or private practitioner. investment and prioritization of such community
partnerships, YWCA Toronto risks operating in
SOLUTION siloes from the community, which is harmful to its
It is clear that consistent, sustained and significant participants and the communities it operates in.
funding by all levels of government is needed to help
women and girls heal after violent loss. YWCA Toronto RECOMMENDATION
staff and residents cannot rely on small, piecemeal In order to provide effective services for participants at
grants that offer temporary services to community YWCA Toronto and elsewhere, consistent government
members impacted by gun violence. Without funding for such programs must exist – and they
government funding, services remain precarious and currently do not. Although gun violence has increased
risk being cancelled and discontinued, or restricted in Toronto, the level of funding and services to deal with
in scope and availability. Hiring a grief counsellor, for this issue has not. The needs of Black women and girls
example, requires considerable financial investment are particularly neglected given the lack of awareness
that will be difficult to obtain without some form of around the broader impacts of gun violence. Therefore,
government funding. the findings of this report suggest that a permanent
government funding stream is urgently needed for
Academic literature, and this particular investigation, programs that support women and girl co-victims.
suggests that bereaved Black women and girls will
benefit from free, permanent programs and services
that promote healing and meaning-making. Based
4. FEDERAL BAN ON HANDGUNS
on the demographic needs of women and girl co-
& ASSAULT RIFLES
victims, it would be helpful if such permanent support
YWCA Toronto has emphasized the importance
services operate from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive
of regulating guns as part of a larger strategy to
and trauma-informed lens. Women and girls impacted
prevent violence against women and promote safe
by gun violence may receive some assistance following
communities. While this report has focused on the
the death of their loved ones, but these services end
impacts of gun violence on women and girls in the
abruptly. Co-victims often find themselves alone
communities YWCA Toronto serves (parts of Rexdale
with no access to programs to process their grief and
and Scarborough), the Association recognizes the wider
reconcile life after violent death.
21
role of guns in controlling, threatening, and harming approved by parliament after a considerable amount
women and children, particularly in situations of of opposition. The bill — which, among other things,
domestic violence. Guns contribute to creating unsafe enhances background checks, forces retailers to keep
home conditions that force women and their children to records of firearms sales, and modifies the authorization
seek shelter elsewhere. Many of the women and children to transport regime — signals a step in the right
served by YWCA Toronto’s programs are survivors of direction but falls short of an outright ban on handguns
such gender-based violence. In all situations, access to and assault rifles.127 Time and time again, YWCA
a gun by an abusive partner significantly increases the Toronto has emphasized that the lack of awareness
risk of femicide.123 about the differential impact of guns on men and
women has left women out of the conversation.
Guns figure prominently in the cycle of violence, and

gender-based violence is no exception. When viewed
through an intersectional gender lens, it is clear that the
impacts of guns – particularly for Black women, rural
women, and Indigenous women – are devastating.128
The victims are not just those who have to pick up the
pieces in the wake of violent loss, it is the women and
children who have to seek shelter because their homes
are no longer safe, often with very limited financial
resources. A 2018 UN report states that the home is
Figure 1. Factors that contribute to gender-based violence
the most dangerous place for a woman.129 Guns can
also be viewed as a tool of misogyny perpetuating
For these reasons, YWCA Toronto has positioned itself
violence against women and girls. Many mass shooters
as a leading voice in the national gun control movement.
are motivated by misogyny and racism, and there is a
YWCA Toronto is a founding member of the Canadian
documented link between men who perpetrate mass
Coalition for Gun Control, which was founded in 1989
shootings and domestic violence convictions.130
in response to the Montreal Massacre, a misogynist
mass shooting at École Polytechnique that claimed the
When examining who is disproportionately impacted by
lives of 14 women.124 The Coalition advocates for stricter
gun violence, both in terms of victims and co-victims,
gun laws and has called for a ban on all handguns and
semi-automatic assault rifles with its Trigger Change it can be argued that the safety of Black communities,
campaign.125 Half of the guns used in gun homicides are in particular, is valued less than the freedom to own a
registered weapons that can be traced back to Canadian gun. The recently renewed debate about the role of guns
owners.126 This calls for a wider examination around the in Canadian society begs the question, which lives are
accessibility of guns – every illegal gun in Canada has a valued and which lives are not – and why? Why is safety
legal start somewhere. such an elusive goal for so many racialized communities
in our city? Since YWCA Toronto is committed to
YWCA Toronto submitted a policy brief to the federal supporting the livelihoods, safety, and prosperity of
government in 2018 that outlines the connection girls, women and their children, it stands firmly in its
between gender-based violence and guns. More position that all handguns and assault rifles should be
recently, the Association supported Bill C-71, which was banned.
22
V. CONCLUSION & SUGGESTIONS
FOR FURTHER RESEARCH
“There is no thing as a single-issue struggle
because we do not live single-issue lives.”
– Audre Lorde
23
This report examines the gendered impacts of gun violence on both participants and staff. A community
violence and specifically highlights the difficulties faced survey of existing resources that gathers primary
by Black women and girls who undergo complicated data through focus groups might be helpful as well to
grieving processes following violent loss due to racism, understand some of the needs, gaps and opportunities
sexism, socio-economic inequities and other challenges. in Toronto. Lastly, a deeper exploration of what a
These complexities are not fully addressed in existing trauma-informed, anti-racist, anti-oppressive and
services. While some programs offered by organizations feminist space looks like will be helpful in designing
such as YWCA Toronto can be very helpful, they are empowering spaces for Black women co-victims.
not specifically geared towards treating co-victims of
gun violence and do not receive government funding The impacts of gun violence are multidimensional. Only
for such programs. Grassroots initiatives, while vitally
by applying an intersectional gender lens can these
important, cannot be the only solution either. Gun
impacts be fully appreciated. It is important not to lose
violence – and its consequences – is a social issue
sight of the women and girls who are left to recover
that requires public attention and funding. It requires
after violent loss and who are expected to heal with few
women and girls who are impacted by such violence
social supports as they navigate structural inequities.
to be part of the conversation and decision-making
It is vitally important that the voices of Black women
processes affecting their communities. It also requires
political will from leaders to take a stance on this issue and girls are not lost in the discussion around gangs
and ensure budget allocations reflect the interests of and guns – there is more to violence than guns, as our
Black women and girls. discussion about the role of guns and gender-based
violence demonstrates, and there is more to justice than
While banning guns is at the forefront of YWCA incarceration or rehabilitation. Justice for communities
Toronto’s stance on guns, advocacy for participants and means safety, livability, clean air, quality housing, and
community members who are co-victims of violent loss good jobs. It means living in a society that sensibly
is crucial to advancing the mandate of the Association. balances freedoms with other commitments. And, it
Further research may want to focus on surveying the means creating viable opportunities for women and
organization as a whole to determine the impacts of gun girls to grieve and heal in dignity.
24
References
REFERENCES
1
Connolly, J., & Gordon, R. (2015). Co-victims of homicide: A systematic review of the literature. Trauma,
Violence, & Abuse, 16(4), 494-505.
2
Milman, E., Neimeyer, R. A., Fitzpatrick, M., MacKinnon, C. J., Muis, K. R., & Cohen, S. R. (2017). Prolonged grief
symptomatology following violent loss: The mediating role of meaning. European Journal of
Psychotraumatology, 8 (Suppl 6).
3
Doka, K. J. (2008). Disenfranchised grief in historical and cultural perspective. In M. S. Stroebe, R. O. Hansson, H.
Schut, & W. Stroebe (Eds.), Handbook of bereavement research and practice: Advances in theory and
intervention (pp. 223-240). Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association.
4
Ibid.
5
Flanagan, R (2018). Toronto breaks annual homicide record, on pace to exceed 100 in 2018. CTV News.
Retrieved from: https:// www.ctvnews.ca /canada/toronto-breaks-annual-homicide-record-on-pace-to-
exceed-100-in-2018-1.4182828 and David, J.D. (2017). Chart 4 of homicides by most common method in
Canada from 1986 to 2016. Juristat. Statistics Canada. 85-002-X. Retrieved from:
www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2017007/article/54879-eng.htm
6
Star, S (2018). The 96 victims of Toronto’s record year in homicide. Toronto Star. Retrieved from:
thestar.com/news/gta/2018/12/17/the-90-victims-of-torontos-record-year-in-homicide.html
7
Wright, A. (2018). Year of the gun. CBC. Retrieved from: cbc.ca/cbcdocspov/episodes/year-of-the-gun
8
Berthiaume, L. (2018). Statistics Canada blames gang violence, shootings as homicide rat hits 10-year high. CTV
News. Retrieved from: ctvnews.ca/Canada/statistics-canada-blames-gang-violence-shootings-as-
homocide-rates-hits-10-year-high-1.4186494 and David, J.D. (2017). Chart 4 of homicides by most
common method in Canada from 1986 to 2016. Juristat. Statistics Canada. 85-002-X. Retrieved from:
www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2017007/article/54879-eng.htm
9
Celeste, M.J. (2010). African-American teen girls grieve the loss of friends to homicide: meaning making and
resilience. Journal of Death and Dying 61(2), 121-143.
10
Wright, A. (2018). Year of the gun. CBC. Retrieved from: cbc.ca/cbcdocspov/episodes/year-of-the-gun &
Lawson, E. (2012). Disenfranchised grief and social inequality: bereaved african canadians and
oppositional narrative about the violent deaths of friends and family members. Ethnic and Racial Studies,
37(11), 2092-2109.
11
March, L., Brown, Z., Lee, J., et al. (2018). Open letter to the toronto board of health. Retrieved from:
toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2018/hl/comm/communicationfile-86439.pdf
12
resilience. OMEGA: Journal of Death and Dying 61(2), 121-143 and Burke, L. A., Neimeyer, E. A. and
McDevitt-Murphy, M. E. (2010) ‘African American homicide bereavement: Aspects of social support that
predict complicated grief, PTSD, and depression’, Omega Journal of Death and Dying, 61(1), pp. 1–24.
13
Lawson, E. (2012). Disenfranchised grief and social inequality: bereaved African Canadians and oppositional
narrative about the violent deaths of friends and family members. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 37(11), 2092-
2109. And Celeste, M.J. (2010). African-American teen girls grieve the loss of friends to homicide:
meaning making and resilience. OMEGA: Journal of Death and Dying, 61(2), 121-143
14
Lehman, D. R., Wortman, C. B., & Williams, A. F. (1987). Long-term effects of losing a spouse or child in a motor
vehicle crash. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52, 218-231.
15
Lohan, J., & Murphy, S. (2006). Mental distress and family functioning among married parents bereaved by a
child’s sudden death. Omega, 52(4), 295-305 46
16
Sharpe, L.T. (2008). Sources of support for African-American family members family members of homicide
victims. Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Worker, 17(2), 197-216
17
Bailey, A., Hannays-King, C., Clarke, J., Lestor E., & Velasco, D. (2013). Black mothers’ cognitive process of finding
meaning and building resilience after loss of a child to gun violence. British Journal of Social Work, 43,
336-354.
18
Ibid.
19
Al’Uqdah, S., Adomako, F. (2018). From mounring to action: African American Women’s Grief, Pain, and
Activism. Journal of Loss and Trauma. 23(2), 91-98. 25
20
Cheng, A. A. (2000). The melanchology of race: Psychoanalysis, assimilation, and hidden grief. New York, NY:
17
336-354.
18
Ibid.
19
Activism. Journal of Loss and Trauma. 23(2), 91-98.
20
Cheng, A. A. (2000). The melanchology of race: Psychoanalysis, assimilation, and hidden grief. New York, NY:
Oxford University Press
21
22
Laurie A, Neimeyer RA (2008). African Americans in bereavement: grief as a function of ethnicity. OMEGA:
Journal of Death and Dying 57(2) 173-193
23
Bailey, A., Hannays-King, C., & Akhtar M. (2015). Social support and black mothers’ bereavement experience of
losing a child to gun homicide. Bereavement Care, 34(1), 10-16.
24
Ibid.
25
Mastrocinque JM, Metzegar JW, Madeira J et al (2014). I’m still left here with pain: exploring the health
consequences of homicide on families and friends. Homicide Studies 1-24.
26
27
Lawson, E. (2012). Disenfranchised grief and social inequality: bereaved african canadians and oppositional
2109.
28
29
losing a child to gun homicide. Bereavement Care, 34(1), 10-16. Page 11
30
Redmond, Lula. (1996). “Sudden Violent Death.” In Living with Grief after Sudden Loss: Suicide, Homicide, Heart
Attack, Stroke, edited by Kenneth J. Doka, 53-72. Bristol, PA: Taylor and Francis
31
336-354.
32
Ibid.
33
Ibid.
34
Armour, M.P. (2002). Journey of family members of homicide victims: a qualitative study of their posthomicide
experience. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 72(3), 372-382.
35
36
Ibid. 47
37
Sharpe, L.T. (2008). Sources of support for African-American family members family members of homicide
38
Ibid.
39
Ibid.
40
Ibid.
41
Ibid.
42
43
Ibid.
44
Ibid.
45
Masters, R., Friedman, LN., & Getzel, G. (1988). Helping families of homicide victims: a multidimensional
approach. Journal of Traumatic Stress 1(1), 109-125.
46
47
Ibid.
48
336-354.
26 49 Lawson, E. (2012). Disenfranchised grief and social inequality: bereaved african canadians and oppositional
approach. Journal of Traumatic Stress 1(1), 109-125.
46
47
Ibid.
48
336-354.
49
2109.
50
Bailey, A., Sharma, M., & Jubin. (2013). The mediating role of social support, cognitive appraisal, and quality
health care in black mothers’ stress-resilience process following loss to gun violence. Violence and Victims,
28(2). 233-247
51
Ibid.
52
Ibid.
53
Ibid.
54
Ibid.
55
Armour, M. (2003) ‘Meaning making in the aftermath of homicide’, Death Studies, 27(6), 519-40
56
57
Doka, K.J. (2008). Disenfranchised grief in historical and cultural perspective. Handbook of bereavement
research and practice: advances in theory and intervention, American Psychological Association, 223-240
58
Ibid.
59
2109.
60
Mullings, V.D., Morgan, A., & Quelleng, K.H. (2016) Canada the great white north where anti-black racism 48
thrives: kicking down the doors and exposing the realities. Phylon, 53(1), 20-41.
61
Ibid.
62
2109.
63
O’Grady, W., Parnaby, P.F., & Schikschniet, J,. (2010). Guns, gangs, and the underclass: a constructionist analysis
of gun violence in a toronto high school. Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice, 52(1), 55-
77.
64
Mullings, V.D., Morgan, A., & Quelleng, K.H. (2016) Canada the great white north where anti-black racism
thrives: kicking down the doors and exposing the realities. Phylon, 53(1), 20-41.
65
2109.
66
Ibid.
67
336-354.
68
Ibid.
69
336-354.
70
2109.
71
Ibid and see https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/05/29/black-and-indigenous-people-less-likely-to-trust-
toronto-police-survey-
finds.html?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=SocialMedia&utm_campaign=930pm&utm_campaign_id=
GTA&utm_content=BlackAndIndigenousLessLikelyToTrustPolice&utm_source=twitter&source=torontosta
r&utm_medium=SocialMedia&utm_campaign=&utm_campaign_id=&utm_content=
72
Bailey, A., Hannays-King, C., Clarke, J., Lestor E., & Velasco, D. (2013). Black mothers’ cognitive process of finding 27
336-354.
70
2109.
71
Ibid and see https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/05/29/black-and-indigenous-people-less-likely-to-trust-
toronto-police-survey-
finds.html?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=SocialMedia&utm_campaign=930pm&utm_campaign_id=
GTA&utm_content=BlackAndIndigenousLessLikelyToTrustPolice&utm_source=twitter&source=torontosta
r&utm_medium=SocialMedia&utm_campaign=&utm_campaign_id=&utm_content=
72
336-354.
73
Ibid.
74
336-354.
75
Ibid.
76
2109 49
77
Ibid.
78
resilience. OMEGA: Journal of Death and Dying 61(2), 121-143.
79
Ibid.
80
Ibid.
81
Ibid.
82
Deck, E.S., & Folta, J.R. (1989). The friend-griever. In K. Doka (Ed.), Disenfranchised grief: Recognizing the hidden
sorrow (pp. 77-89). New York: Lexington Books.
83
84
Ibid.
85
Ibid.
86
Rapheal, B. (1983). The Anatomy of bereavement. New York: Basic Books.
87
88
Ibid.
89
Davis, C. G., & Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2001). Loss and meaning: How do people make sense of loss? American
Behavioral Scientist, 44(5), 726-741.
90
Garbarino, J., Bradshaw, C., & Vorrasi, J. (2002). Mitigating the effects of gun violence on children and youth.
The Future of Children, 12(2), 73-85.
91
92
Ibid.
93
Ibid.
94
Ibid.
95
Ibid.
96
Ibid.
97
98
Bailey, A., Sharma, M., & Jubin. (2013). The mediating role of social support, cognitive appraisal, and quality
health care in black mothers’ stress-resilience process following loss to gun violence. Violence and Victims, 28(2).
233-247
99
Wiens, M. (2016). ‘I felt helpless’ :Mothers who’ve lost kids to gun violence find refuge at monthly session. CBC.
Retrieved from : cbc.ca/news/Canada/toronto/grief-cousnelling-gun-violence-1.3602570
100
Ibid.
101
Ibid.
28
233-247
99
Wiens, M. (2016). ‘I felt helpless’ :Mothers who’ve lost kids to gun violence find refuge at monthly session. CBC.
Retrieved from : cbc.ca/news/Canada/toronto/grief-cousnelling-gun-violence-1.3602570
100
Ibid.
101
Ibid.
102
Ibid.
103
Based on 2017 YWCA Toronto Program Statistics. The term that appears in the data is “visible minorities” but
to remain consistent with the language of this Report, the term “racialized” is used.
104
Armstrong, J. (2013). Toronto begins reassessing ‘priority’ neighbourhoods. Global News. Retrieved from: 50
globalnews.ca/news/915842/Toronto-begins-reassing-priority-neighbourhoods
105
City of Toronto. (2019). FOCUS Toronto. Community Safety Programs. Retrieved from: toronto.ca/community-
people/public-safety-alerts/community-safety-programs/focus-toronto
106
Bergamot frontline staff. Personal Interview. July 3, 2019.
107
Government of Canada. (2012). Breaking the links between poverty and violence against women: a resource
guide- the reality of poverty and violence. Family Violence Prevention Resource Centre.
108
Bergamot frontline staff. Personal Interview. July 3, 2019.
109
The Public Good Initiative. ‘Girls Matter. A Program Evaluation of the YWCA Toronto’s Girls’ Centre: The Case
for Girls-Only Spaces.’ April, 2019.
110
Ibid.
111
Girls’ Centre frontline staff. Personal Interview. July 15, 2019.
112
Ibid.
113
Meyer, Oanh L. and Zane, Nolan. The influence of race and ethnicity in clients’ experiences of mental health
treatment. J Community Psychol. 2013 Sep; 41(7): 884–901.
114
Ibid.
115
Gupta, Rita Paul-Sen et al. “The impact of poverty on the current and future health status of children.”
Paediatrics & child health vol. 12,8 (2007): 667-72. doi:10.1093/pch/12.8.667
116
Monsebraaten, Laurie. Toronto child poverty divided along racial lines. Toronto Star. November 15, 2017. Last
accessed August 30, 2019. https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/11/15/toronto-child-poverty-
divided-along-racial-lines.htm and Social Planning Toronto. “2018 Toronto Child & Family Poverty Report:
Municipal Election Edition.” October 2018. Last accessed August 30, 2019.
Www.torontocas.ca/sites/torontocas/files/2018_Child_Family_Poverty_Report_Municipal_Election_Editi
on.pdf
117
Teen Mothers’ frontline staff. Personal interview. July 15, 2019.
118
Simon Ashley-Binge & Carolyn Cousins (2019) Individual and Organisational Practices Addressing Social
Workers’ Experiences of Vicarious Trauma, Practice, DOI: 10.1080/09503153.2019.1620201
119
Ibid.
120
Bergamot frontline staff. Personal interview. July 3, 2019.
121
Wiens, Mary. “'I felt helpless': Mothers who've lost kids to gun violence find refuge at monthly session
Social Sharing.” CBC News. May 27, 2016. Last accessed August 30, 2019.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/grief-counselling-gun-violence-1.3602570
122
Ibid.
123
Campbell, C.J., Webster, D., Koziol-McLain, J., et al. (2003). Assessing risk factors for intimate partner homicide.
NIJ Journal 250, 15-19.
124
Nash, K., Workman, P. (2007). The montreal massacre. CBC Digital Archives. Retrieved from:
web.archive.org/web/20110604052652/http://archives.cbc.ca/society/crime_justice/topics/398-2235
125
McGillivray, Kate. “New gun control campaign aims to get public to 'speak out before it's too late.’” CBC News.
Nov 13, 2018. Last accessed August 30, 2019. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/coalition-for-
gun-control-trigger-change-1.4904160
126
Ibid. 51
127
Tasker, Jean Paul. “Liberal government's firearms bill clears Senate, despite Tory attempts to gut it.” CBC News.
May 29, 2019. Last accessed August 30, 2019. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/tasker-bill-c-71-firearms-
law-1.5154282
128
Canadian Women’s Foundation Bill C-71 Submission. May, 2018. Last accessed August 30, 2019.
https://www.canadianwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Canadian-Womens-Foundation-
Submission-to-SECU-re-Bill-C-71.pdf; McQuigge, Michelle. “76% of Canada’s domestic homicide victims
are female: study.” Global News. December 6, 2018. Last accessed August 30, 2019.
https://globalnews.ca/news/4735054/domestic-homicide-study-women/ and Canadian Domestic
Homicide Prevention Initiative. “One is too many: trends and patterns in domestic homicides in Canada 29
2010-2015.” Last accessed August 30, 2019. http://cdhpi.ca/sites/cdhpi.ca/files/CDHPI-REPORTRV.pdf
126
Ibid.
127
Tasker, Jean Paul. “Liberal government's firearms bill clears Senate, despite Tory attempts to gut it.” CBC News.
May 29, 2019. Last accessed August 30, 2019. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/tasker-bill-c-71-firearms-
law-1.5154282
128
Canadian Women’s Foundation Bill C-71 Submission. May, 2018. Last accessed August 30, 2019.
https://www.canadianwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Canadian-Womens-Foundation-
Submission-to-SECU-re-Bill-C-71.pdf; McQuigge, Michelle. “76% of Canada’s domestic homicide victims
are female: study.” Global News. December 6, 2018. Last accessed August 30, 2019.
https://globalnews.ca/news/4735054/domestic-homicide-study-women/ and Canadian Domestic
Homicide Prevention Initiative. “One is too many: trends and patterns in domestic homicides in Canada
2010-2015.” Last accessed August 30, 2019. http://cdhpi.ca/sites/cdhpi.ca/files/CDHPI-REPORTRV.pdf
129
Fox, Kate. “The most dangerous place for women is the home, a new UN study says.” CNN. November 26,
2017. Last accessed August 30, 2019. https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/26/health/home-most-dangerous-
place-for-women-un-report/index.html
130
Brueck, Hilary and Lebowitz, Shana. “The men behind the US's deadliest mass shootings have domestic
violence — not mental illness — in common.” Business Insider. August 5, 2019. Last accessed August 30,
2019. https://www.businessinsider.com/deadliest-mass-shootings-almost-all-have-domestic-violence-
connection-2017-11
52
30
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THE FORGOTTEN VICTIMS

Published by YWCA Toronto, October, 2019.

ABOUT YWCA TORONTO

POLICE TREATMENT Due to the disproportionate impact of homicide

Staff at the Teen Mothers’ Program work closely with

1. TRAUMA-INFORMED STAFF a trauma-informed workplace. Launched in 2017, the

Guns figure prominently in the cycle of violence, and

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