Domestic violence in Quebec: new initiative launched after two possible femicides within 24 hours

Last year’s rise in deaths connected to intimate partner violence – and two suspected femicides within a 24-hour period last month – has led to the creation of a new program to prevent future domestic violence in Quebec.

In 2020, the province reported 21 women were killed at the hands of their partners. Last year that number increased to 26.

And last month, two alleged murder-suicides involving couples were being investigated in Quebec: one that took place on Feb. 18 in Dunham, southeast of Montreal, and the other on Feb. 19 in Laval.

BACKGROUND: Experts call for more prevention against femicides in Quebec, after two deaths in 24 hours

The Table de concertation en violence conjugale de Montréal (TCVCM) recently launched an initiative aimed at rapid intervention in situations involving a high risk of spousal or intra-family homicide, something community groups say will help prevent future femicides by creating a bigger network for those in need.

“Everybody that can be involved either near or far with these women, will be able to come into play and together help protect these women and support them,” said Linda Basque, the program director at Info-Femmes. “We think it will have an impact on the number of femicides.”

The initiative is called the Cellule d’action concertée en violence conjugale de Montréal (C.A.C.VC Montréal), which seeks to work with community organizations and existing victims in high-risk situations.

“We’ll make sure that she’s protected on all sides and that ultimately, there is no homicide risk,” said Andrée-Anne Perreault-Girard, the coordinator-liaison for C.A.C.VC Montréal. “We prevent the homicide towards her, the children or suicide of the perpetrator.

“Women’s shelters, sometimes they feel like they have the weight of the safety and the security of the family and the kids on their shoulders. But now it’s split between all the organizations around the table. … It will facilitate an action that is really immediate, fast and hopefully with results.”

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Basque says this program is much needed.

“All these initiatives together, we hope, will help create a network that will be able to attack the problem of domestic violence and intimate partner violence on different levels,” she said.

“I think for the women’s shelters, it was a much needed support to be able to count on other partners to help come into action.”

WATCH: Awareness on femicides 32 years after Montreal Polytechnique massacre (Dec. 5, 2021)

The City of Montreal contributed $70,000 to the program, something police say is beneficial for the future.

“The funds mean having a better safety net around the victim and their families and preventing intimate partner abuse related to homicides over a longer period of time,” said Anouk St-Onge, commander of the Montreal police’s division specializing in domestic violence.

Anyone needing help can call SOS violence conjugal 24/7 at 1-800-363-9010.

Anyone fearing they may become violent towards a partner can call PRO-GAM for an appointment at 514-270-8462.