Quebec groups are calling on political parties to make gender-based violence a central issue during the upcoming election campaign. The calls come after two suspected femicides occured in Montreal within 48 hours this week in the Villeray—Saint-Michel—Parc-Extension borough, bringing the number of suspected femicides in Quebec this year to 13. “After 13 femicides in intimate relationships since the beginning of the year, inaction is not an option,” said Louise Riendeau, co-lead on policy issues at the Regroupement des maisons pour femmes victimes de violence conjugale. “With the election campaign approaching, we are calling on the parties: What commitments are you willing to make to reduce domestic violence?” Riendeau said several factors must be addressed to tackle gender-based violence, including increasing the capacity of support and shelter centres so they can provide more services. She also called for the removal of systemic barriers that prevent victims from escaping violence and achieving autonomy, particularly financial autonomy. Among those barriers, she pointed to the rising cost of living, the affordable housing crisis, and limited access to legal aid. Raising awareness about healthy relationships from a young age is also essential, she said. “To do this, we need funding for specialized resources and training, but also bold policies to combat poverty and address social housing,” she said. Women disproportionately killed by partners The term “femicide” refers to the murder of women and girls because of their sex and/or gender, according to the Coalition féministe contre la violence envers les femmes. It is considered the most extreme manifestation of gender-based violence and discrimination. While a femicide can be committed by a family member, friend, acquaintance or a stranger, it is most often committed by a current or former intimate partner of the victim. Statistics Canada data published last month highlights that women are disproportionately killed by a spouse or intimate partner, with 41 per cent of women killed by a spouse or intimate partner compared with 5 per cent of men. In light of growing concern over the prevalence of femicides and gender-based violence across the country, Canada has strengthened its legal framework on violence against women by recognizing femicide as a serious form of gender-based violence with stronger legal tools to prevent, prosecute and punish it. Quebec has also taken steps to protect women from domestic violence, including passing the Gabie Renaud bill at the National Assembly in June. The bill allows a woman who fears for her safety to obtain information regarding an intimate partner’s history of domestic violence. Gabie Renaud died last September and was allegedly killed by her partner, who had a history of domestic violence. ‘Half-measures’ are not enough The Coalition féministe contre la violence envers les femmes is calling on the Quebec government to create a Ministry of Women and Equality, as well as a legal framework on violence against women. Antoine said creating a Ministry of Women’s Rights and Equality would centralize government responsibilities, better coordinate actions among different ministries, and ensure accountability for the policies and recurring budgets. The legal framework would create a legal basis for institutions, including governments, ministries, businesses, and organizations, for preventing and addressing violence against women. It would also integrate gender impact assessments and equality considerations into decisions, policies, programs, and organizational practices, while monitoring progress and addressing shortcomings. “Two women died within 48 hours as a result of misogynistic violence,” said Julie Antoine, general coordinator of the Coalition féministe contre la violence envers les femmes. “To tackle the continuum of femicide, we must address the roots of violence as well as all the systems that perpetuate it. We must collectively recognize that half-measures are no longer enough to protect girls and women.” Victims of domestic violence can contact SOS violence conjugale at 1-800-363-9010. Other resources:
