Among the problems associated with sexual and domestic violence there is a huge number of submarines: proportionately very few victims are willing to report. A difficult path often opens up for them, which awakens trauma and clearly shows that our society finds it difficult to believe in survivors. In Canada, as in many countries, sexual assault is one of the least reported crimes to the police. Only 5% of victims go to law enforcement, although there is no statute of limitations for sex crimes in Canada. There is a structural lack of trust, etc. Quebec decided to try to solve the problem by creating the first court specialized in sexual and domestic violence.

“After #MeToo, I thought about what we can do as elected officials,” she recalls. El France Véronique Hivon of the Quebec Party. It was 2018 and the idea of ​​a specialized court was born where women could really feel heard.. An expert commission was created, which collected dozens of testimonies from victims, judges, lawyers, police officers, and social workers. Approximately 190 recommendations were made to improve the handling of complaints and the creation of a specialized court. The Quebec Parliament voted unanimously to establish it, and the courthouse is now officially open. “This is really a direct result of #MeToo,” Heewon notes.

“We listened to you,” Attorney General Simon Jolin-Barrett said to the survivors.You will be accompanied from start to finish, and whenever you wish, your special needs as victims will be taken into account. and we will respond in the same way at every stage of the litigation and beyond. “For this, financial resources were used, classes were reorganized, prosecutors in these cases were strengthened, magistrates and police officers were trained, and assistance was provided to victims throughout the process. .

Of course, there are those who criticize this decision and talk about government interference in the judiciary and preferential treatment, but Jolene-Barrett seems determined to continue the project. “I am very confident that we will successfully move forward. Channels are open and every part of the judiciary has to contribute, but the barriers that were there are no longer there,” he said. Montreal newspaper, reaffirming that those who are naturally accused continue to enjoy all their rights, including the presumption of innocence, until proven guilty. At the same time, it may be the first step that can make the school.