Family glad for process to review domestic deaths

It’s viewed as a crucial step forward in dealing with domestic violence.

On Tuesday, the provincial government announced it will develop a process to review deaths resulting from domestic violence.

This is welcome news for Les and Melanie Wilcock. Their daughter Hayley, along with their two-year old grandson Cayden, were shot and killed by Darren Wourms on May 27, 2012, just outside of St.Walburg, Sask. in a murder-suicide.

In Hayley’s case there was some indication of domestic violence that didn’t surface until after her death.

“Les and I knew nothing,” said Melanie.

“Darren was always a quiet individual and seemed a little off all the time,” said Les. “But our daughter loved him and thought everything was good.”

For those who may be in a dangerous relationship, Melanie has some strong advice.

“Get out,” said Melanie.  “Even if you want to help the person you can’t help them if you’re dead. So get out and then try and think about helping them.

“Even if a victim has told somebody and sworn them to secrecy, you’ve got to say something. That just can’t be bottled up because something like what happened to my daughter is going to happen again.”

With the provincial government’s new process, the Wilcox’s hope it will open the voice of victims so they don’t feel afraid to seek help.

“It might spread the word that there’s support for situations like this,” said Les. “There’s no excuse for it.  The people that are having it happen to them need to know that they can get out of a situation and be safe.”

Saskatchewan has the highest rate of domestic violence deaths in Canada.