Good afternoon.
I'd like to thank the members of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women for the opportunity to contribute to your study on intimate partner and domestic violence.
The Alliance des maisons d'hébergement de 2e étape pour femmes et enfants victimes de violence conjugale is a provincial organization with 34 shelter members.
Today, I will be presenting solutions based on protection and support mechanisms for victims of intimate partner violence in relation to post-separation domestic violence, coercive control and consistent government support.
Before delving into the technical side of our recommendations, I want to take a few moments to share a real-life case with you. Any time legislative solutions are being considered, it is important to keep in mind that domestic violence affects real people in a very real way.
Exactly five years ago today, March 22, 2017, a young woman named Daphné Huard‑Boudreault was killed by her ex‑partner. After leaving a toxic relationship with that individual, Daphné was repeatedly harassed by him. She went to police, but unfortunately did not meet with a proper response, receiving inadequate support and advice. Alone, she went to retrieve her personal belongings at her ex‑partner's home, where police were supposed to meet her. Before they arrived, she was brutally murdered by her ex‑partner.
This tragic case highlights what can happen when victims do not receive adequate support. Although a protocol did exist, it was not implemented owing to a lack of training. A life was lost and many others are forever destroyed.
Today, on top of grieving for his daughter and dealing with a wound that will never heal, Daphné's father, Éric Boudreault, is fighting for justice and more support for victims. With great generosity, he has allowed us to read you an excerpt of his message to his daughter Daphné.
Today, my sadness must contend with frustration and anger. Five years later, I am more than convinced that you were abandoned, but unfortunately I cannot abandon this fight. I will rest later because the systemic normalization of domestic violence is more real than ever and must stop. The fight is just beginning, and I am counting on you to hold me up, as you always have.