Quebec launches specialized court for sexual violence in Saint-Hyacinthe
Posted September 24, 2024 3:55 pm.
Last Updated September 24, 2024 3:56 pm.
Quebec has launched a specialized court for sexual and domestic violence in Saint-Hyacinthe.
Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette was on hand for the announcement Tuesday morning.
Since March 2022, pilot projects have been underway to define best practices and evaluate the impact of the specialized court model in different contexts.
The specialized court is expected to roll out across Quebec by November 2026.
It’s designed to better meet the needs of victims of sexual and domestic violence. That includes better supporting the victim throughout the judicial process; specific training for all those involved in the specialized court system; and the creation of safe and secure spaces for victims in courthouses so they don’t encounter their alleged aggressor.
Three more resources are also being added within the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions, which means a single prosecutor will be able to accompany the victim throughout the process.
