'Love shouldn't hurt': Vigil for slain London, Ont., teen puts focus on preventing domestic violence

WARNING: This story contains discussion of intimate partner violence.

Hundreds of candles shone bright while people in London, Ont., sang This Little Light of Mine in celebrating the life of 17-year-old Breanna Broadfoot, who was fatally stabbed last week, and vowed to take action against intimate partner violence. 

The vigil Wednesday evening at Ed Blake Park was organized by Broadfoot's younger brother Lucas and attended by more than 200 people, including loved ones and community members.

"I did not expect [the large turnout]. It really touched me seeing so many people in my community supporting me, Bre and so many of the other victims we can help," said Lucas, 15.

"I thought this was the best way to bring the community together and fight an epidemic that really is eating our country from the inside, and I believe that unites us and helps fight this war against domestic violence."

Broadfoot died in hospital on July 18, two days after she was stabbed at a home in the city's east end in a case police have linked to domestic violence.  An 18-year-old man, who police say confronted them with a knife, was shot by police and later died in hospital. 

Court documents obtained by CBC News show the man identified as Kuhkpaw Moo, 18, of London, had been charged with assault, and assault with choking, suffocation or strangulation after an alleged incident in March. Broadfoot was listed as the victim in the documents, which identify the case as being a case of intimate partner violence. 

Broadfoot's friends who attended Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School said they're still in disbelief and are processing the shock from her death. They said Broadfoot didn't confide in them about what was happening in her relationship. 

"I didn't entirely believe it at first, but I almost right away knew the reason and it devastated me. I was really hoping she would be able to find the help that she needed," said Bella Dentelbeck.

A number of speakers at the vigil expressed the importance of recognizing signs of abuse and taking action against violence against women.

They included Broadfoot's family, advocates, London MPP Terence Kernaghan and Dan Jennings, whose daughter Caitlin was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend in July 2023. London police were also in attendance.

'Love shouldn't hurt' 

Although Joe Quigg and Heather Trevithick didn't know the grieving family well, their daughter was close friends with Broadfoot and they came to the event to show their support. The couple wore T-shirts with a logo that read "Love shouldn't hurt."

"Love really shouldn't hurt physically and it should rarely hurt emotionally. I need to let my daughter know that there should be zero physical contact when you're dating somebody," said Trevithick, who said she also lost a loved one to intimate partner violence. 

"It's every parent's worst nightmare. It could've been anyone's daughter and that's what's scary."

Western University's Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children found the highest-risk group with domestic violence and domestic homicides are between ages 15 and 24.

"As a young man, you have to realize what's going wrong as most the deaths and reasons victims go to hospital is my age group. You really have to watch out and see the signs of abuse and just hold everyone accountable," Lucas Broadfoot said. 

His sister was heading into Grade 12, and wanted to pursue a career as a child psychologist. After her death, six of her organs were donated to five different people.

"Her heart is still beating and she's in five different places right now. When you look up at the stars, that's our daughter Breanna dancing and helping others," her dad, Brett Broadfoot, told vigil attendees. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:

For anyone affected by family or intimate partner violence, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services. ​​If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.

In London, support is also available through Anova, Atlosha Native Family Healing Services, London Abused Women's Centre, Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre, and Victim Services of Middlesex-London.