I think if there had been that option more immediately, if there had been some place to go.... I know that maybe I'm in a different situation, and Jennifer as well. I'm just meeting her now, a hard-working woman taking care of her family. There are many women, however, who are very isolated and are not able to have those options or choices, or even the ability maybe to seek out legal counsel or whatever.
I think legislation can be just a piece of paper, but it doesn't necessarily have to be, and if we don't have it, then what do we have in the meantime? More women and children are being.... You know, they have no rights, and we do need all those supports in our communities. We know about the inadequate resources in many first nations, but why do we have to continue to suffer until something is 100%?
I think if this legislation had been in place, there would have been someplace to go more quickly. It would have been clearer. Maybe there would have been more people available to help with the situation.