Even if you’ve avoided the video footage on your television or phone, you’ll have seen the flags everywhere at half-mast.
All of Eastern Ontario joins in grief and solidarity with Ottawans in shock over the deaths of a Barrhaven family late Wednesday night. A mother of 35 with children ranging in age from 2.5 months to seven years were victims of mayhem- killed with an “edged weapon” by a 19 year-old man, who also lived in the dwelling.
The assailant is in custody. A 40 year-old family friend also perished, and the mother’s spouse- arriving as the incident was in progress, was severely wounded, but escaped to beg for help.
All of those involved were of Sri Lankan origin, and, speaking with CTV, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe says the gruesome murders come as a broken promise to newcomers who embrace us as a land of peace.
Parents may face questions from uneasy children over what Ottawa police term an “isolated incident” ; grans may not know what to say to their grandkids. School will be off on March Break and teachers can’t address it in class. The Ottawa Distress Centre is accepting calls at 613-238-3311
Experts say you should talk openly within your family about the events. Use factual language and avoid conceptual analogies where possible. Be honest with your children about how the events also bother you, as the issue will be on everyone’s minds for some time.
Rick Stow (with files from The Canadian Press)