In 2022, a tragic incident occurred in Abbotsford, where 45-year-old Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu was found at her home with life-threatening injuries. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after. Her husband, 48-year-old Inderjit Singh Sandhu, was arrested at the scene and charged with second-degree homicide. Recently, Inderjit pleaded guilty to the crime, and a sentencing date has yet to be determined. This case highlighted the issue of intimate partner violence, which saw a significant increase during the pandemic, according to advocates and authorities.
Law enforcement agencies, including the RCMP, reported a spike in intimate partner violence cases during the pandemic due to people being confined to their homes. This led to an increase in reports from concerned neighbors rather than the victims themselves. Angela Marie MacDougall of Battered Women’s Support Services expressed concern over the rising number of killings and the lack of government action to address the issue. The prevalence of domestic violence was further highlighted by statistics from the Canadian Femicide Observatory, showing that 88 women and girls had been killed in Canada in the first half of 2022, with the majority of perpetrators being men. On average, one woman or girl is killed every other day in the country.
The tragic killing of Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu is just one of many cases that have brought attention to the ongoing issue of intimate partner violence in Canada. Advocates have been calling for increased government support and services for victims of domestic abuse, both at the provincial and federal levels. Despite the efforts of organizations like the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, which provides assistance and support to those affected by abusive situations, the number of killings continues to rise. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address and prevent intimate partner violence in the country.
The guilty plea entered by Inderjit Singh Sandhu in relation to his wife’s death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of intimate partner violence on individuals and families. The lack of action and support at the government level has been a point of contention for advocates and organizations working to end domestic abuse. The statistics provided by the Canadian Femicide Observatory paint a grim picture of the prevalence of violence against women and girls in the country, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention and prevention strategies. It is crucial for law enforcement, government, and community organizations to work together to address this issue and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals affected by domestic violence.
As the case of Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu’s murder unfolds, it underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities of addressing intimate partner violence in the Canadian context. The impact of the pandemic on the rates of domestic abuse has been significant, leading to an increase in violent incidents and tragic deaths. This calls for a concerted effort from all sectors of society to implement effective strategies to prevent and respond to intimate partner violence. It is essential for government agencies, advocacy groups, and communities to collaborate in providing support and resources to those affected by domestic abuse. By working together, we can strive towards a society where all individuals can live free from the threat of violence and harm in their homes.
