Quebec enhances the financial assistance to organizations for the fight against sexual violence

Kathryne Lamontagne

Thursday, 14 December, 2017 16:01

UPDATE
Thursday, 14 December, 2017 16:04

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The government Couillard will enhance the financial assistance to organizations that accompany victims of sexual assault and will contribute to the establishment of a single window to stakeholders in the cultural milieu.

The government on Thursday announced$ 25 Million over three years to develop and strengthen the measures related to the denunciation and prevention of sexual violence.

On the lot,$ 17 Million will go to organizations in the community, advised the prime minister on Thursday, in the conclusion of the Forum on aggression and sexual harassment. This amount is in addition to the million announced last October by the minister Hélène David in the wake of the”hurricane” in social result of the movement #MoiAussi.

Single window

The cultural environment, marked by the recent sexual scandals, will have funding to assist in the development of a “one stop shop” in terms of harassment and sexual assault. This tool – aimed at all stakeholders, whether they are actors, producers, technicians, etc – would make an anonymous denunciation to these workers often stand-alone and without job security.

Following a complaint, individuals may then be referred to a victim support organisation or the police, for example, depending on their needs, summarizes the president of the Union of artists. “It is until it takes a place, a space that exists beyond our associations,” said Sophie Prégent.

More than thirty organizations from the cultural sector have also unveiled Thursday a joint statement for a work environment “free from harassment and violence.” The missive states that it condemns these actions, encourages reporting, and does not tolerate “any retaliatory action” against a whistleblower.

Other tools

The government also wants to allow victims of sexual crimes have access to an intelligence service on the handling of a complaint. The Barreau du Québec recommended earlier this week to better help the victims, who are often poorly informed about available options in the judicial system.

The concept of sexual harassment should also be specifically added in the revision of the Law on labour standards, which are currently underway. The investment will also allow the development of a programme of assistance in raising the awareness on sexual harassment in the workplace

“Public Relations”

In the beginning of the day, the spokesperson for the Parti québécois on the status of women has commended the forum for its operation of “public relations”. Catherine Fournier believes that it is now “urgent” to take actions.