Another man from Montérégie allegedly managed to get rid of his anti-reconciliation bracelet imposed in a domestic violence case, which brings the number of incidents to five since the system was implemented.
On January 15, Luc Bouchard allegedly showed perseverance to get rid of the geolocation device he was wearing on his ankle. The newspaper chose not to reveal how the bracelet was removed, for security reasons.
But the individual would only have had to obtain an over-the-counter product to free himself from the bracelet, we learned.
Since the full deployment of the anti-reconciliation bracelet program in September 2023 in the province, “three isolated events” have occurred, where individuals managed to hijack the security device, the Ministry of Public Security (MSP) said by email .
One such case involved the 32-year-old who cut off his device.
However, according to initial findings, Mr. Bouchard’s case is not one of them. The newspaper also discovered another case, which occurred last May in Montreal (see info box).
- Listen to the interview with Louise Riendeau, co-responsible for political files for the Grouping of houses for women victims of domestic violence on the microphone of Alexandre Dubé via QUB radio :
Need for control
“I am not surprised that these people managed to hijack the mechanism. It demonstrates a great willingness to bend the rules to pursue an attempt at aggression or control over their partner,” said social worker to SOS Domestic Violence, Claudine Thibaudeau.
But according to her, these cases do not mean that the system is failing.
“We have to expect this to happen in certain situations, so that’s why victims need to be aware of the resources available to them so that they can quickly get help. help,” she insisted.
Even a woman, who was probably not protected by the imposition of an anti-reconciliation bracelet on her ex, continues to have confidence in the system.
Believe in the system
“I believe in it, it gave me a feeling of security at a time when I was in danger. It must continue to be implemented,” said Bobi Pollak’s ex, who asked that his identity be kept quiet.
On the side of the Association of Homes for Women Victims of Domestic Violence, we find “worrying” the increased attempts by violent spouses to thwart the system.
“The Ministry of Public Security must take all necessary measures so that women – whom the anti-reconciliation bracelet is supposed to protect – can feel a feeling of security and confidence in this mechanism,” insisted Louise Riendeau, co-responsible for political files at the organism.
At the MSP, we assure that the bracelet is “effective in ensuring the safety of victims of domestic violence”, and that it is a complementary tool for the safety of victims.
Currently in Quebec, 216 anti-reconciliation bracelets are in operation.
–With Jonathan Tremblay and Michaël Nguyen
Cases where anti-reconciliation bracelets were foiled
January 15, 2024: Convicted of charges in a marital context last year, Luc Bouchard had to wear an anti-reconciliation bracelet for not having respected conditions. Last month, he reportedly managed to get rid of the geolocation device using an over-the-counter product.
December 21, 2023: A Montrealer was arrested by the police even though he was no longer wearing his anti-reconciliation bracelet. Quebec subsequently verified all of the devices.
December 7, 2023: Alexandre Tremblay Malboeuf cut the anti-reconciliation bracelet, a first in Quebec. When he was arrested, he was not far from where his victim was. He now risks 1 year in detention for this affront.
September 10, 2023: Even though he was wearing an anti-reconciliation bracelet preventing him from approaching his victim, Bobi Pollak would have managed to enter her home through her bedroom window without the alarm going off.
May 12, 2023: A man from the South Shore of Montreal who was supposed to wear an anti-reconciliation bracelet in a domestic violence case was arrested in a restaurant in the city with a device that was not charged.
IF YOU NEED HELP
SOS domestic violence
• https://www.sosviolenceconjugale.ca/
• 1 800 363-9010 (24/7)