Quebec will implement a system of anti-reconciliation bracelets (BAR) this spring to protect victims of domestic violence.
This was announced Wednesday by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, Geneviève Guilbault, at a press conference in the Capitale-Nationale, where the first 16 BARs will be installed. They will then be gradually extended to the entire province, by December 2023.
An additional amount of $ 41 million is allocated for this purpose, she said alongside the Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Isabelle Charest.
The device usually consists of an anklet and case imposed on the offender, as well as a second case given to the victim. When the two devices are found at a certain distance, in a so-called “pre-alert” zone, the authorities and the offender are notified. If after that the two people still continue to approach, the police go to meet each of them.
Security and peace of mind
“It will totally change my life!” “, Testified Christine Giroux, a victim of domestic violence present at the press conference. Mother of two children, she has lived in fear of her ex-husband “for more than 20 years”. “He still manages to find me despite several moves,” she explained, indicating that his parole conditions never kept him for long.
In fact, today’s event is only her “11th outing in 4 years”, as she fears for her life, a situation that could change if her attacker were forced to wear a BAR. . “Finally, I could finally sleep in peace, without fear of him breaking into my home.” “
In the meantime, her “will is ready” and she has already “taken a lot in a cemetery in Côte-des-Neiges” so as not to put this burden on her family if the worst happens.
“One thing that is priceless is the peace of mind and safety of women, and that is something that is stolen from them” when they are subjected to violence by a intimate partner, said Ms. Guilbault.
“In Spain, there are much less spousal homicides” since the arrival of such bracelets, she indicated, adding that “the offenders comply much more” with their conditions of parole and that this net of protection brings great relief to the victims.
So far, 18 feminicides have been committed in 2021 in Quebec, a phenomenon that has been exacerbated by the containment linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Statistics Canada estimates that almost half (47%) of female homicide victims were killed by an intimate partner, compared to 6% of men, according to 2019 figures.
Under the order of a judge
The devices could be “imposed” on criminals by judges, but also by the Quebec parole board or prison directors, Minister Guilbault said. In all cases, “it will take the consent of the victim”.
As the province is only responsible for offenders with sentences of less than two years, the application of RABs will remain limited. Despite this, the minister indicated that “judges will be able to impose it here, in Quebec, even under the federal Criminal Code”.
Asked about the length of the orders, she explained that it is up to the judges to decide for how long each BAR will be used, whether it is for a few months or a few decades.
The new law will be a first in Canada, when only six countries in the world have such a program.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, you can call SOS Violence conjugale at 1-800-363-9010 for immediate assistance. The service is free, anonymous and available 24 hours a day.