Good morning.
My name is Jackie Huet. I am a criminologist and the director general of the Estrie CAVAC, where I have been working for seven years. Prior to this position, I was a direct victim response officer.
We want to talk to you today about the most recent progress made in terms of our services. In 2022, when the specialized court on sexual and domestic violence was created, the Quebec Department of Justice gave us a new role, that of liaison socio-judicial worker, or ISL. In doing so, the department was trying to introduce a new approach, a safe approach, in partnership with the Crown prosecutor. This approach focused specifically on victims whom we were unable to reach, particularly those who are still under the control of the spouse or when there are requests to withdraw the charges.
This approach has really been tailored to the needs of these people, especially those with whom it is difficult to communicate. In addition, all CAVACs found that rapid response units for domestic violence were deployed in various forms in virtually all regions. These units make it possible to bring together a number of organizations around a table in a few hours, or in a day or two, to intervene and discuss cases that may involve a risk, such as situations where there is a risk of homicide in a spousal context. We could also take the idea of rapid response units, in which CAVACs participate, further.