Quebec to introduce tracking bracelets for some conjugal violence offenders

Quebec’s public security minister says the province will begin requiring some domestic violence offenders to wear electronic tracking bracelets beginning next spring.

Genevieve Guilbault says the program, which will be rolled out gradually across the province, is designed to give victims a better sense of security and ensure offenders better comply with the conditions of their release.

The devices usually consist of an ankle bracelet worn by the offender, as well as a second element in the victim’s possession.

Authorities are alerted when the two devices begin to come too close together, and police can be sent out if the distance between them continues to decrease.

“I just hope that at the end of the day it’s in the best interest for the survivors it’s meant to protect,” CEO of Sakeenah Homes, Zena Chaudhry, said.

Quebec has experienced a spate of femicides since the beginning of 2021, with an unofficial count putting the number at 18.

“Giving that autonomy to women and not making the choices for them is very important. I understand the safety aspect of it but if the abuser finds this woman and comes after her and these bracelets are reacting to that but I think it’ll be interesting to see how they’re meant to play out,” added Chaudhry.

“They’re touching on every single topic but the root of the problem is changing legislation so abusers stay in jail longer there is actionable plans to protect women and children going through domestic abuse and I don’t know why they refuse to touch on that.”

Tracking devices were a key recommendation of a coroner’s report into the death of Marylene Levesque, who was murdered in a Quebec City hotel room in January 2020 by a convicted killer out on parole.