‘Purple Reins’ event sheds light on intimate partner violence, honours Madisson Cobb

An event shedding light on intimate partner violence on Wednesday night paid tribute to a young woman recently killed in Calgary.

End Violence Everywhere (EVE) held its Purple Reins event at Deane House.

It brought together community leaders, advocates and allies to stand against violence against women and support survivors and their families.

On Wednesday, it honoured Madisson Cobb.

The 23-year-old was shot to death in a Haysboro parkade on July 19 of this year.

Her ex-boyfriend, 26-year-old Devon Malik, is charged in her death.

At the time of the shooting, Malik was under a court order to have no contact and not be within 100 metres of Cobb’s home or place of employment.

Cobb was leaving work at the time of the shooting.

Organizers say Cobb’s story underscores the urgent need for awareness, prevention and systemic change.

“She should be here,” said EVE founder Cait Alexander.

“Her parents are here tonight, and I’m completely in awe of their bravery and their love and how kind and amazing they are.”

Cobb is remembered for her passion for life, pride in her work and love of her family.

Malik is charged with first-degree murder and remains in custody.

Wednesday night’s event was billed by EVE as its “inaugural Calgary event.”

“Purple Reins is dedicated to supporting survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and family violence,” EVE says on its website.

The event aimed to “bring together community members, allies, advocates and survivors to raise critical funds to support our mission.”

Marigold Mioc, 16 years old and an ambassador for EVE, echoed the event’s keynote speakers, saying “abuse thrives in silence,” putting importance to speaking out at every opportunity.

“Something needs to be done about this because it’s completely unacceptable,” she said.

EVE, a not-for-profit, bills itself as “a pioneering organization that operates at the intersection of survivor support, legislative advocacy, and ally-community building.”

On Wednesday night, Alexander said the issues EVE faces have become “extremely pervasive in Canada.”

“This is Canada. This is the country that we love. This is the safe space where the nice people live,” she said.

“We need better legislation.

“We call on the government to get in line and be on the side of survivors and stop supporting the criminals.”