Status of Women committee  You're absolutely right. Among other things, I remember the first time I reported an assault. I was asked whether he had hit me. I said that he hit me here, there, and that he had raped me. What more did they want? What about internal injuries? Yes, I was physically struck, but it doesn't always start that way.

Status of Women committee  That's right.

Status of Women committee  We'll also get more respect.

Status of Women committee  I'm going to add something else. Right now, it's the women who are imprisoned. I spent three months at Maison Unies-vers-femmes. I didn't have access to my children. They weren't allowed in because they're boys. I'm not making this up. I had no access to my life, but he had access to his, as if he hadn't done anything.

Status of Women committee  There are a lot of gaps at the moment. We aren't protected and Senator Boisvenu said so several times. We agree, and so does Ms. Jeanson. We are not the only women in this situation. We need protection. We are faced with an abuser and it's a matter of life or death. That's where we stand now.

Status of Women committee  I'm sorry, Madam Chair, I hadn't noticed that my speaking time was up because I was concentrating so hard. On behalf of all spousal violence victims, I'd like to thank Senator Boisvenu for having allowed me to add what my voice to this struggle. I am asking the House of Commons, the Prime Minister of Canada, the Minister of Justice, the judges, all the provinces of Canada and the members to pass and enforce this new bill.

Status of Women committee  Kwe. Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Diane Tremblay and I am a former victim of spousal and family violence. I prefer using the term "survivor", because that's really what I am. I'm here today to give my full support to Bill S‑205, which was introduced by Senator Boisvenu, and to represent and stand firmly with those victims, most of them women, who have been entangled in spousal and domestic violence.