A troubling trend has emerged in Canada as new data from Statistics Canada reveals a significant increase in firearm-related intimate partner violence over the past several years. The average rate of such incidents jumped 31 percent between 2020 and 2024 compared to the previous five-year period, and stands 58 percent higher than figures recorded from 2010 to 2014.
Experts Say Increase Was Expected
For those working in gender equality and women’s advocacy, these alarming numbers come as no shock. Mitzie Hunter, CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation, explained that organizations like hers have been witnessing a steady and sharp rise in violence against women and intimate partner violence across the country for some time now.
The study released by the federal agency examines patterns in firearm-related intimate partner violence, including details about the incidents themselves, the victims, and the accused individuals. In 2024 alone, police reported 1,096 victims of intimate partner violence where a firearm was present during the incident.
Pandemic Lockdowns Worsened the Situation
Experts point to the COVID-19 pandemic as a significant contributing factor to the heightened numbers. Hunter noted that when public health measures required everyone to stay home, little consideration was given to how women and girls would be affected, essentially forcing many to shelter with their abusers. A study published by BMC Public Health found that nearly one in four participants reported experiencing some form of abuse during the lockdowns.
Shift in Firearm Types Used
The data also reveals a notable shift in the types of weapons involved. While rifles and shotguns were the most common firearms present in these incidents from 2010 to 2019, handguns have become the predominant type since 2020. According to Ontario’s Domestic Violence Death Review Committee, firearms rank as the second most common cause of death in partner homicides.
Questions remain about the effectiveness of Canadian firearm legislation, as Statistics Canada reports that in 58 percent of firearm-related intimate partner homicides, the accused person either lacked a valid firearms license or was not in legal possession of the weapon used. This raises serious concerns about enforcement and prevention measures currently in place.
