Status of Women committee  If you have to say where that violence comes from, I think you have to address the history of colonialism. Our people used to live in harmony with, and respect, everything around them. Because of that history, those values have changed. Violence has therefore become more prevalent.

Status of Women committee  Victims do, indeed, leave their violent circumstances, only to return afterwards. Some are able to leave the situation for good, after taking legal steps, while others are unable to file a complaint out of fear. I agree with what Ms. Nepinak said about the challenge of staying in contact with victims who return to remote communities.

Status of Women committee  I believe that the need to work with men with violent behaviours is urgent. Places where that can be done have to be re-established or established. Under the current system, if there are complaints and charges, the accused spent time in prison without their problem being treated.

Status of Women committee  What makes urban shelters unique is that they serve a diverse clientele, including women from a number of different indigenous communities. For instance, Montreal is home to an Inuit population. Members of the Anishinabek and Mohawk communities are also present in different areas.

Status of Women committee  For instance, awareness and prevention campaigns may be lacking. It's possible to have just four workers to cover three shifts. How can they possibly work on prevention or education? There aren't enough staff members. It's easier at the community level, since everyone knows about the shelter's existence.

Status of Women committee  I would say that, in Quebec, the issue of not being connected to one's culture is minor. Our 13 shelters take in individuals who belong to the community, speak the language of the community and have cultural ties. In urban areas, it is possible to encounter clients who don't feel connected to their culture, but it's a minor issue.

Status of Women committee  Clearly, we talk about the importance of second-stage or transitional housing. Once women have completed their stay in the shelter, they still require follow-up support. Obviously, if they go to an urban area, they need second-stage housing, to help them build their financial independence and the capacity to function on their own.

Status of Women committee  It was a great job.

Status of Women committee  Québec Native Women has a network of 13 indigenous shelters. What we do depends on what the shelters ask us for. If they need more training on youth protection, for instance, we put together two-day training sessions. We also help victims of violence access legal services. We give the shelters tools and resources—the training they need to operate with greater independence—and we provide what they need.

Status of Women committee  The demand for our services is twofold. On the one hand, we have women looking for shelter services, and on the other hand, we have those who just want someone to listen, a service we can also provide by phone. Sometimes, they are former residents of the shelter who just need someone to talk to.

Status of Women committee  When women come to the shelter, they are very vulnerable. They have suffered a loss of control, so when they come to us, we give them time to catch their breath. They are exhausted, emotionally and psychologically. Later, when they meet with shelter workers, a care plan is developed.

Status of Women committee  Services vary depending on the shelter. Some provide more culture-based services such as having a tent out back. Our network of shelters for indigenous women has an added benefit: shelter workers speak the language spoken in the community, such as Innu or Naskapi. Consequently, victims of violence don't face a language barrier at the shelter.

Status of Women committee  Thank you.

Status of Women committee  Thank you.

Status of Women committee  Having been a shelter worker, I can tell you that, in communities, where everyone knows everyone, one of the biggest issues is confidentiality. An abused women who wants to report her attacker has to have the wherewithal to face family, friends and members of the community. In fact, it's not uncommon for the person with whom the victim has to file a complaint to be the abuser's brother.