Mr. Speaker, in recent months, a series of cases of violence against women have been reported in Montérégie. Some have made headlines, while others have gone unnoticed.
These cases serve to remind us of the challenges that women still face: spousal abuse, sexual harassment, rape, social pressures, and the list goes on. These cases also remind us that prevention and awareness are key.
Last Wednesday, some comedians joined forces to put on a benefit performance to support Tanya St-Arnaud, the young woman from Longueuil whose ex-boyfriend threw acid on her and who has demonstrated so much strength and courage in the face of adversity. As I stand before you today, thousands of Congolese women are also the victims of rape used as a weapon of war, paying the price for an armed conflict that will change their lives forever.
These situations remind us of the importance of constant vigilance. It is an everyday reality, an everyday responsibility and an everyday struggle.