In addition to these recommendations concerning the criminal justice system, we would like the committee to recommend the following measures.

We propose that professional associations and educational institutions that train workers liable to respond in domestic or sexual violence situations make basic or ongoing training in coercive control and homicide risk factors mandatory.

We also recommend that the judicial appointment process include a requirement to meet with candidates. The process should also include a requirement to take into account the candidates' level of legal knowledge and experience in the areas of law in which they would perform their duties. This would help emphasize the need for Quebec Superior Court judges in the family division to have the relevant experience in and knowledge of family law.

The concepts of coercive control and risk factors, along with knowledge of criminal law—including the interpretation of conditions of release—play a vital role in decisions that may affect the safety of victims and their children.

We also propose that all organizations that work with victims set up a specialized team to handle these cases and to support the organization's staff.

Lastly, we propose that government authorities launch a national awareness campaign on healthy relationships and coercive control, including in schools.

We maintain that, to work properly, a safety net must include multiple components. However, these components must be intertwined. For this to work, it's crucial to allocate the necessary human and financial resources, in particular qualified staff who have the time to manage these complex and often urgent cases.

Safety is also a collective responsibility. We all have a role to play. Coercive control must be recognized as a systemic issue in Canada.

The Regroupement des maisons pour femmes victimes de violence conjugale puts it this way: “We must collectively live up to the courage of these women.”

Thank you for your attention.

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