On the day before what would have been her 28th birthday, family, colleagues, Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) representatives, and Quinte Health team members gathered outside Belleville General Hospital to remember Shannan Hickey — a compassionate nurse whose life was tragically taken by intimate partner violence on May 21, 2024.
In her honour, ONA and Quinte Health unveiled a permanent monument — called Shannan’s Light — located in front of the Belleville General Hospital Emergency Department. The monument serves as both a tribute to Shannan and a message of hope for anyone experiencing intimate partner violence: You are not alone.
“Shannan was an exceptional nurse and an extraordinary person,” said Stacey Daub, President and CEO of Quinte Health. “This monument will stand as a daily reminder that there is hope, help is here, and no one should suffer alone.”
The crisis of intimate partner violence
Across Canada, a woman is killed by her intimate partner every six days.
In the Quinte region, police respond to hundreds of domestic violence calls each year, yet experts believe the true number of incidents is significantly higher, as many victims never report abuse due to fear, stigma, or lack of resources.
“The shockingly high rates of intimate partner violence and femicide are a longstanding crisis we must act on,” said ONA Provincial President Erin Ariss, RN. “Every statistic represents a person, a family, and a future stolen. As nurses, as women, as community members, we all have a responsibility to do more to end intimate partner violence.”
A lifeline for survivors: Quinte Health’s DVSARP
Quinte Health’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Program (DVSARP) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing immediate, specialized nursing care to survivors of abuse. The program offers:
- Emergency medical treatment and forensic evidence collection
- Safety planning and crisis counselling
- Connections to police, shelters, and community services
- Ongoing emotional and practical support
DVSARP serves people of all genders and backgrounds, with services provided in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment.
“Programs like DVSARP save lives,” said Stacey. “They are a critical part of our commitment to prevention, healing, and supporting survivors.”
A community effort
The creation of the monument was made possible through the collaboration of ONA and Quinte Health, and with the generosity of Campbell Monument, which reduced costs to ensure Shannan’s Light could become a reality.
The monument’s inscription reads:
We remember those we have lost to intimate partner violence and commit to helping those in need. The Ontario Nurses’ Association and Quinte Health believe no one should suffer alone. There is hope, and healing is possible. Reaching out is the first step to reclaiming your life.
The monument features Shannan’s pets on either side and a QR code that links to the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Program section of Quinte Health’s website: https://quintehealth.ca/care-service/domestic-violence-and-sexual-assault-program/shannans-light/. The Shannan’s Light monument will be lit up at night as a symbol of remembrance for those lost, strength for survivors, and our community’s unwavering commitment to hope, healing, and ending intimate partner violence.
