We could certainly chant it loud and clear. It is a victory. The creation of the specialized court in matters of sexual and domestic violence will undoubtedly give hope to the victims. The adoption of such a law foreshadows a concrete change, the symbolism of which is capital.
Since the advent of #metoo, the online whistleblower movements, in all their surge, have taught us an important lesson. The free speech of each other hurt us: indignation, revolt and anger. Complaining is a frightening way. And the reasons that put off are valid. There was a clear demonstration that the justice system, beyond the actors concerned, was not always adapted to the needs of victims.
In some cases, the process may have been destructive. For others, it has been a lifesaver. Some people have even referred to their journey as being a rocky, thorny, traumatic Stations of the Cross, often scratching a lot, leaving open wounds. The various criticisms emitted in the public space required action to counter this demoralizing breach of trust.
The adoption of this bill, sometimes criticized, suggests that it is possible to move society forward with a single voice, beyond the political partisanship that cultivates cynicism and disappointment among many. of us.
The debates could certainly have been heated to arrive at the advent of this adoption. And it is necessary to understand the divergent forces. The Chief Justice of the Court of Quebec was right to worry about judicial independence. The reasons for the debate were legitimate. There seems to have been an agreement to protect this fundamental principle. As a former complainant, I can only celebrate the fact that the advent of this project was possible despite everything.
Support for victims
Tangible solutions are written in black and white. They provide a better understanding of the improvement in the situation. Let’s be concrete. Bill 92 will provide better support for victims before, during and after the process. We can count on a more adequate specialization of those working in the Department of Penal and Criminal Prosecutions and the police forces. This awareness will focus in particular on the delicate realities relating to victims. There will also be a four-hour legal consultation service for any survivor. Another important change: the adaptation of classrooms to facilitate the testimony of victims. Not to mention the setting up of pilot projects to establish the specialized tribunal permanently throughout Quebec. The list of good news is important and deserves to be highlighted.
Let’s get back to the facts. These are tangible measures that will certainly facilitate the process experienced by victims. We needed this announcement to regain confidence in the system.
Times are changing, mentalities are changing. A quick glance in the rearview mirror with a capital H breathes confidence and optimism. Not so long ago, under Canadian law, female victims of sexual assault were considered to be as credible as children. We can say that there has been a dizzying leap towards progress.
Let’s not be naive. Filing a complaint will always remain an immeasurably laborious and difficult ordeal for those who dare to do so. The justice system does not cure everything, but it can certainly meet the needs of victims a little better. It’s not nothing. It’s actually huge.
I don’t believe in fairy tales. The magic and immediate solutions are chimerical. They are often more a matter of populism to be feared than anything else. We will have to be patient to see this transformation in the courtrooms. But one thing is certain. Today we are witnessing considerable progress. If only for that, there is reason to say it and repeat it. It is a victory. For everyone.
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