This article discusses intimate partner violence and may be triggering to some readers. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse contact the Kelowna Women’s Shelter 24/7 support line at 250-763-1040 or text 236-970-0704. In an emergency, call 911.
People gathered on Kelowna's courthouse steps to support the legacy of a woman who was murdered after years of worrying that her ex-husband was going to kill her, said those who knew her. The group of supporters held signs calling for change in how cases of intimate partner violence are managed in court, and in society.
"The very basic bottom line is that violence against women is an epidemic that we are treating like an inconvenience," said Shannon Christensen, the founder of Mamas for Mamas, an organization that supports caregivers and children. Christensen, along with other members of Mamas for Mamas and the community stood at the courthouse on the morning of July 10, to call for change.
Christensen's calls are echoed by the Elizabeth Fry Society, an Okanagan-based feminist organization, who is now asking the government to recognize gender-based violence as a nationwide epidemic.
"We can do better. We need to do better," said Christensen.
The call for change was sparked by the daytime violent assault and murder of Bailey Plover (née McCourt), a mother of two. McCourt was killed on July 4, hours after her ex-husband walked out of the Kelowna courthouse, newly convicted on four counts of assault and uttering threats.
Christensen expressed frustration with the fact that McCourt, who was a member of the Mamas for Mamas community, had told those around her that she was worried that her ex-husband would harm her, and still nothing was done to ensure her safety.
"She asked for help and got some. She got as much as there was available. She did everything she was supposed to do," said Christensen.
"She was failed in so many ways."
Shortly after noon, the RCMP were called to a violent assault which unfolded in a parking lot on Enterprise Way where McCourt's ex-husband, James Plover, allegedly fled the scene. McCourt and another woman who was also attacked, were taken to hospital with injuries. Plover was pursued by police and arrested a few kilometres away on Glenmore Road. He has since been charged with second-degree murder in relation to the death of McCourt and remains in custody. A charge of second degree murder is used when it is believed there was intent to kill, but not prior planning.
Just hours before McCourt's death, a judge delivered a guilty verdict to Plover, convicting him of one count of assault by strangulation and three counts of uttering threats, for incidents that transpired in June 2024. The name of the victim of the assault has not been made public.
Plover was not in custody at the time of McCourt's death, and was instead bound by the same "extensive protective conditions," from his release in 2024, along with a $500 bond, while awaiting his sentencing hearing in September.
"We're at the courthouse, not only to ask others to do better, but to do it ourselves," said Christensen.
At 9 a.m. on July 10, Plover made his first appearance in Kelowna court for the charge of second degree murder.
Christensen said that McCourt had been an incredible part of the Mamas support network, having joined the community before her first child was born.
"It's frustrating that we keep talking and asking for help. Our only request is to be safe. We want just enough funding to make sure duty counsel supports women who are asking for legal support when they've been physically, emotionally, sexually, financially or otherwise abused in their interpersonal relationships. We need safe housing, preventative support and a trauma informed approach with all lawyers."
Christensen encourages all survivors of abuse to reach out to a support network of people they trust and professionals for support. She said that Mamas for Mamas is a centralized place where people can access free resources, like counselling. For more information and to access free, remote counselling, email info@mamas4mamas.org.
