More services needed to combat violence against women

MONTREAL (CityNews) – With the rise in reports of violence against women and nine femicides in Quebec since the start of the year, advocates are stressing the importance for not only victims of violence to find the strength to seek help, but for those who commit these acts as well.

Many of the young men who go to Option have little words to describes what is going on inside them, explained Catherine Bolduc, Social Worker at Option. Adding it’s difficult for the young men to identify what’s going on and it’s not evident to them to go seek help.

“I think the pandemic may be one of the causes. Seeing how people are more at home, people are more isolated, so it’s important to provide these types of services not only for victims but also for the perpetrators of domestic violence,” said Marlene Albuquerque, Director of Social Reintegration Service at YMCA.

Yeah I think the quote inside the quote should end after counselling to be: “I’ve heard countless women say to me, ‘my partner refuses to go for counselling,’ well humble yourself honey and get yourself in there because you’re part of the problem,” explained Fiona Crossling, General Director at Accueil Bonneau.

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“I cannot explode uncontrollably. And if I do there will be consequences. But I’ve been nurtured in that. I’ve learned that and we are all on a journey. And we need to invest in groups that work with men to communicate that,” she added.

“We have to be tough against violence against women, but we also have to look at ways to rehabilitate, prevent, also to ensure that men can unlearn these behaviors and not engage in violent conduct towards women or anyone in general,” explained Fo Niemi, Center for Research-Action on Race Relations.

Between 2015 and 2020, there was a 12 per cent increase in the number of reported cases of intimate partner assaults in Quebec.

Premier Legault said he would personally take charge of the government’s services for women facing violence at home, as the Quebec government proposed an additional $22.5 million of funding over five years for services at existing women’s emergency shelters, in last month’s provincial budget. This, in addition to a $180 million plan announced last winter.

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Some advocates are encouraged, but say it must include services for offenders as well.

“You have to make sure that everyone who needs help receives help. Especially in pandemic times. And often the needs of abusive men tend to be overlooked,” said Niemi.

“There needs to be resources available for these men and we need the funding that goes with it, our service just goes so far, and with more funding we can do a lot more,” Albuquerque explained.

“Never to remove funding or support for the groups that work with women because they are the direct victims of violence,” added Bonneau. “But definitely also work with men to help them understand the impact of their violence.”