December 6 marks the end of the 12 days of action against violence against women and emphasizes more particularly the importance of commemorating the 14 young women murdered at Polytechnique in 1989. It has taken too long, more than 30 years , to publicly acknowledge that it was an anti-feminist attack.
Unfortunately, violence against women remains as Quebec faces a terrifying wave of feminicides this year. Eighteen women were murdered, the majority in the context of domestic violence or post-separation domestic violence.
In Quebec, more than 21,000 offenses were committed in the context of domestic violence; 44% of these offenses were committed by an ex-partner, an increase from previous years.
No, ending the relationship does not mean that the woman is protected from her ex-partner. On the contrary, it is the most dangerous moment for her and her children.
Each time, my heart as a woman, mother, sister and friend tightens, because I notice that these feminicides take up less and less space in the news. Feminicides must not become just one of many facts, since it is possible to prevent them and we all have a role to play in achieving it.
Work to do
The government of Quebec has announced measures to improve the legal support offered to victims. We welcome several major advances, including the creation of a specialized tribunal, the training of the various players in the judicial system and the establishment of an anti-reconciliation bracelet.
However, there is still work to be done to ensure the consistency of all the measures put in place and, for this, it is essential that the government continue to work with groups specializing in domestic violence.
As a shelter, La Dauphinelle can now offer services to women even if they are not in accommodation, in particular by accompanying them in external monitoring to assess the dangerousness of their situation and put in place a safety plan.
Collective awareness
Let us not forget either that the protection of victims depends on collective awareness. Thus, we travel to organizations and businesses to equip stakeholders and professionals to act against domestic violence.
Our campaigns not only aim to challenge prejudices and preconceived ideas about the profile of victims, but also to explain the different forms that domestic violence and post-separation domestic violence take.
People who understand that domestic violence is more than physical violence can ask family and colleagues the right questions if they have concerns.
Our goal is not to transform them into interveners, but rather to equip them so that they maintain a link with the victims and can direct them to the appropriate resources. Every gesture counts to prevent a feminicide.
Let us ask ourselves these questions: is it normal that in Quebec, a woman is afraid of dying after a separation? Is it normal that in Quebec, a woman fears that her children will be killed if she leaves her partner? Is it normal that in Quebec, the mother of a woman victim of conjugal violence is afraid of being murdered if her daughter leaves her spouse? Finally, in Quebec, is it normal to be made to count the orphans of these mothers whose lives were stolen too soon?
I think the answer goes without saying, so let’s continue to mobilize and act collectively to say, “Enough is enough! ”