Quebec-wide awareness campaign on intimate partner violence

An awareness campaign on intimate partner violence is being carried out across Quebec on Wednesday.

Police officers, local organizations, and government partners are joining forces to bring awareness and promote available resources.

The activities are being held at strategic locations along the highway network, as well as by foot and through kiosks.

It is part of the 12 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women and Girls, reaching over 50,000 people. Officers set up at more than 200 locations across the province.

“We are here, we believe you, call us and we will be supportive, we will follow your pace, we will give you information,” said Marie-Claude Richer, Director of Rebâtir, a support service that helps victims of intimate partner violence navigate the justice system and access resources.

“It is a valuable opportunity that allows us to convey a clear and inspiring message directly to the public,” said Jocelyne Jolin, Executive Director, SOS violence conjugale.

In Longueuil, flyers were handed out to stopped drivers, pedestrians, and bus passengers as part of the awareness effort.

One driver, Miriam Ramsay, said initiatives like this “make people feel safe and comfortable to talk about it.”

One flyer, from SOS violence conjugale, outlined signs of abuse and listed support resources. Another, produced by Quebec’s Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales, explained how legal proceedings work and where to find help.

“We don’t talk about it enough. We should hear about it much more often, especially through young people to raise awareness. That would be good,” said Longueuil bus driver Joze Pierre.

Officers also encouraged passersby to take extra copies and to share with friends and colleagues to broaden the reach of the campaign.

“I’m lucky enough not to have experienced it myself, and I don’t have any close relatives who have either, but I think that if it happened, I wouldn’t know what to do. We wouldn’t know what the first step would be, because it’s not something that’s easy to talk about,” said passerby Bahar Sansar. “If I know enough I might be able to help a friend in need, so it’s nice that people have taken the initiative to do that.”

Advocates say many victims don’t always recognize their experience as violence. “The second that you worry about how things are going in your relationship, it’s relevant to take a step back and call SOS and talk it out,” said Claudine Thibaudeau, Clinical Coordinator at SOS violence conjugale. “If it’s not intimate partner violence we’ll see that together. If it is, we’ll see that too.”

Intimate partner violence survivor and author of Violente Tendresse, Amandine Grocaut added that seeking support is often the hardest step: “If you find the courage to ask for help, and if you find another type of courage to receive that help, that’s going to help you tremendously.”

Throughout the 12 Days of Action, a large-format projection of the SOS Violence conjugale logo, accompanied by the white ribbon symbolizing the fight against violence against women, will illuminate the façade of the Sûreté du Québec headquarters in Montreal.

“For the fourth consecutive year, this coordinated national operation demonstrates our shared commitment to taking action. It illustrates the strength of the collective work between police officers and specialized resource workers. Together, we reach out to citizens to raise awareness, prevent violence, and, above all, open the door to requests for help. Sometimes, a single helping hand can make all the difference for a victim,” said Caroline Girard, Lieutenant Coordinator of the team dedicated to combating intimate partner violence with the Sûreté du Québec.

She said the SQ has seen a sharp rise in reported cases. “From 2021 to 2024 we have 81 per cent more cases,” said Girard, adding that the rise may also reflect better understanding and willingness to report.

Advocates say prevention must start earlier. “There’s a lot that needs to be done to increase prevention, especially with our young people, our teenagers and young adults,” Thibaudeau said.

Grocaut echoed that sentiment. “Right now we are most likely to take the problem when the person already went through all this,” she said.

Last year, SOS violence conjugale says more than 60,000 people reached out for help.

“Our goal is to break the cycle of isolation, inform victims of their rights, and give them hope. It is an honor to contribute to this collective effort in Quebec. By joining forces, we are helping victims regain confidence in the justice system and take back control of their lives,” said Richer.

If you need help, reach out. Call SOS violence conjugale 24/7 at 1-800-363-9010.
If you fear you may become violent towards your partner, call PRO-GAM for an appointment at 514-270-8462.