I would say that, yes, women are afraid.
Over the past three years, we've been lucky enough—or unlucky enough—to talk with 16,000 women in Quebec who are victims of domestic violence. Some women say that, had they known what would happen to them, they wouldn't have reported the violence. Why not? Because they don't feel safe. Yet safety is the cornerstone of a victim's successful journey through the justice system. Above all, the victim needs to be safe.
At Rebâtir, we often meet with women before the reporting stage. This approach is unique in Quebec. We're the only law firm that meets with victims before they turn to the police. First, we meet with them to reassure them. We then explain how things will work in the justice system so that they know what to say and how to make a good statement. We know that this statement will be analyzed by the courts.
We meet with the women and make them feel safe. It's important to weave a safety net around them. That's why, when the women file a complaint in connection with a breach of conditions, the accused must be brought before the courts as quickly as possible.