Mr. Speaker, on September 15, a multilingual help line opened simultaneously in Laval and in Montreal in order to encourage women from cultural communities who are victims of sexual assault to break the silence.
More than 80% of sexually assaulted women who receive help speak a language other than French or English. Sexual assault is no more prevalent among immigrants, it is just that these women are more vulnerable because of their linguistic situation. Even if they call 911, they cannot make themselves understood. The help line, available in 13 languages in Laval and in 12 languages in Montreal, aims to remedy this deplorable fact.
Another goal of this new service is to inform these women that only their husband will be arrested and not them, as would be the case for some in their country of origin.
The Bloc Québécois commends the Shield of Athena community agency for implementing this important tool for women.