In memory of murdered sex trade worker Josie Glenn, roughly 100 people marched in London in a show of solidarity for women who have been the victims of violence.
"No matter the headlines, [Glenn] was a beautiful, animal-loving, friend-loving, community-loving spirit that has been extinguished due to violence," said Amiel Houghton, a friend of Glenn's and a manager at a local woman's shelter, who attended the march on Monday. "We're still in a time when women feel anxious to be on their own... whatever their line of work is."
The march began at 4:30pm at London police headquarters at 601 Dundas St. and progressed to SafeSpace, a drop in centre for sex workers at 96 Rectory St. Those in attendance were asked to wear pink -- Glenn's favourite colour.
Julia Baumann, who helped to co-organize the march, said it's important to carry on Glenn's memory in the community, and the turnout at the march only emphasized that.
"This march is to show our respect to Josie, amplify that her life mattered in our community, and to prevent any other tragedies like this," she said.
Glenn's remains were found at a home at 252 South Leakside Circle on October 27. The discovery was made five days after the 26-year-old Sarnia native was reported missing.
"In the community of Safe Space, it's definitely raised fears and I think there will be a time in the future for us to address that, and address the stigma [surrounding sex workers], and to call for accountability for the people in power in our community to prioritize the safety of women," said Baumann. "We do need change."
Oluwatobi Boyede, 25, of London, was arrested in connection to Glenn's death, and has been charged with second degree murder and offering an indignity to a human body. Prior to Glenn's murder, he was charged with assaulting a woman and sexual assaulting, choking, and forcibly confining another woman in two separate incidents that occurred back in February of this year.
Boyede remains in police custody and is scheduled to make his next court appearance by video on Friday.
-With files from Miranda Chant
