On January 5, 2026 Dr. Laura Gover, a beloved mother, daughter, sister, friend and teacher, of Victoria, BC was killed at only 41 years old. The victim of intimate partner violence, her ex-husband has been charged with murder and is awaiting trial.

Two little girls, ages 7 and 11, are left behind; now without either parent to care for them. This fund will support Laura’s daughters and provide some financial security for their future - with stability, care, and opportunity.

Laura was a brilliant researcher and deeply respected in her field. She was a member of faculty at both Vancouver Island University and Camosun College where she was admired for her intelligence, her sharp wit, and the way she made students feel welcomed, inspired, and excited about their work.

Laura made people feel safe. She was superhuman in her ability to balance being a professor, an advocate for mental health supports and organizations such as Moms Stop the Harm, a devoted daughter and sister, and a loving friend who actively nurtured her many friendships.

But above all, Laura was a mother.

Her daughters were the center of her world. Laura was deeply dedicated to her girls and poured love into them in a way that was steady, intentional, and fierce; the kind of love that builds a child’s entire foundation. She gave her daughters a beautiful life that was rooted in love, support, safety and security. Their lives were full of joy, adventure, and endless fun and meaningful traditions.

These children deserve the chance to heal, and to still have a childhood that honours their mother’s deep love and many hopes and dreams for them.

Every donation will go directly into a trust for Laura’s daughters, providing:

-Immediate stability and daily essentials; the security of knowing their basic needs are covered while their family navigates this crisis

-Ongoing counselling and supports with trauma specialists and other skilled providers

-Programming and enrichment opportunities, and future academic needs

Please share widely. Sharing this is how it becomes big enough to truly hold these children up - and how Laura's story sparks awareness and action around intimate partner violence.