Increasing Awareness

Star of Hope sheds light on domestic violence

Brian MacLeod

Calgary Herald

Increased awareness of domestic abuse is saving lives in Calgary, says Bruce Howe, whose daughter was murdered more than four years ago. 

Last year there were more than 12 homicides attributed to domestic abuse.  There have been none so far this year. 

Citing new police initiatives like the experimental panic button bracelet in which an abuse victim can call 911 by hitting the button, he says increased awareness of domestic abuse has led to new efforts to stop domestic violence. 

"When yougofrom12 domestic violence homicides to zero, there's something happening," Howe said Saturday at a tree-lighting ceremony in dedication to the memory of his murdered daughter.

The Star of Hope campaign officially kicked off with the tree-lighting ceremony at the entrance to Heritage Park -Heritage Drice and 14th Street S.W.

The tree was lit up to represent Calgary area women's shelters.

Bruce Howe started the Kelly Howe Star of Hope fundraising campaign after his 19-year-old daughter was killed Sept. 19, 1995, by former boyfriend Morley Dean Sangwais.

Sangwais was later convicted of first-degree murder. 

Howe's four-year public awareness campaign includes the Tree of Hope, discussions with some 10,000 school children and a newly-dedicated display case, at his daughter's Bishop McNally High School, with pictures and letters from friends.

Howe said speaking up against domestic violence is the best way to stop it.

"If (an abuser) tells you to keep quiet, that's the worse time to keep quiet because they've already got plans," said Howe. "If somebody knows somebody is in an abusive situation, get help for them.  Not saying anything doesn't protect them. It doesn't work that way."

When details of his daughter's abuse were unveiled in the courtroom, Howe was shocked.

"When you're the only person in the court room who didn't know what happened, there's something wrong.

Police Det. Lynne Cunningham, supervisor of the domestic conflict unit, was one of about 20 people who attended the tree lighting. 

The unit's practice of laying charges in abusive situations from past incidents has made an impact, she said. 

"That gives the court a better picture of the abuse so they're not stuck looking at one incident. There's usually a long history of abuse before the police get there."

Howe said the Star of hope campaign is to help "the victims of abuse get a new start and a chance at a better future".

Howe hopes to raise $25,000 for five area women's shelters: Sheriff King Home, Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter, Discovery House, Calgary Native Women's Shelter and Brenda Strafford Center.

The fundraiser will continue to Jan. 1, 2000. 

"Our goal is to bring awareness of family violence and to hopefully raise $25,000 for the caring and support of families in need," he said. 

Caretaker shares family tragedy

By Peter Smith

Calgary Sun

Grieving students at Clayton McGloan’s high school found a sad and sympathetic ear in their caretaker yesterday. 

Bruce Howe, a father who has mourned for years over is murdered daughter, was able to understand exactly the pain students were suffering at the stabbing of their friend. 

Howe’s daughter, Kelly, was fatally stabbed in 1995 by her former common-law husband, who’s now serving life for first-degree murder.

Ironically, Bruce was away from Bishop McNally high school for a few hours making arrangements for a new fundraising campaign in honour of his daughter when news broke about McGloan’s death. 

“When I returned to school, I couldn’t believe one of the students had been (Killed),” he said. 

“The students were totally stunned, and there came a time when all 1,200 of them were there, and there was a total silence.  “You could have heard a pin drop. I couldn’t believe so many people could be so stunned.”

Some students, who knew about Howe’s daughter, turned to him for help in their time of grief. 

But most were making use of the school’s crisis counselors, he said. 

Calgary Sun, Wednesday, February 14, 2001

Shelters get a hand

Krista Duckworth

Still striving to put an end to domestic abuse, Bruce Howe presented local shelters with funds raised from The Kelly Howe Star of Hope Campaign, yesterday. 

Howe’s daughter, Kelly, was murdered at the age of 19 by her common-law husband in 1995. 

“None of us have a right to be abused,” Howe said at the rally held at Bishop McNally high school.  A special guest of Howe’s, Donna Eaton, whose daughter, Brooke Ivie Clapson was murdered five months ago, was in attendance. 

“Bruce has supported our family more than he’ll ever know,” Eaton said.

“We plan to follow his lead and bring awareness,” she said. 

Howe identified a strong need for support for women’s shelters. 

A cheque for $2.900 was given to each representative for shelters throughout Calgary including Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, Discovery House and the Calgary Native Women’s Shelter. 

There has been $70,000 raised within the last five years and $14,500 within the last year. 

“We’re just trying to make a difference,” Howe said.