Following this attack, the young worker managed to take refuge in a room and was then taken care of by law enforcement officers. She then went to the hospital.
The CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS confirms that a “youth protection worker from [son] establishment was actually attacked while she was acting within the framework of her duties.”
The angry mother also allegedly threatened to “sting” the speaker. According to different sources, she then threatened a special constable to beat him.
“She was quickly accompanied to ensure her physical health, but also for psychological support,” confirms the organization’s media relations team. We are all shaken by this event and support for his work colleagues is also being provided. We are reviewing the course of events in collaboration with the courthouse staff in order to do everything possible to ensure that such a situation does not happen again.”
The national representative of the APTS in Estrie, Danny Roulx, confirms that his team has been made aware of the situation. Although the latter ensures the support provided to its member, he refused to comment on the matter.
“We are going around in circles with security in courthouses”
The president of the Saint-François district, Me Stéphanie Côté, has worked at the Youth Court for 22 years. “In my career, this is the first time I have seen something of this magnitude,” she said. She was working in a cubicle near the stage, but saw nothing.
“We need special constables in all the rooms of the courthouse,” argues Me Côté. A courtroom had to be closed for constables to help their colleagues. We go around in circles with security in the courthouses. It’s essential, it’s important. Fortunately, Madame was not armed this morning.”
Moreover, the lawyer reiterates the importance that security arches could have at the Sherbrooke courthouse. “I was told that if she had had a knife, she would have stabbed the worker. […] It would have been terrible.”
“Going under a security arch, it’s not fair to find objects,” she continues. It shows that in the palace, there is security.”
This attack comes barely four months after a stabbing attack at the Longueuil courthouse, which caused Sherbrooke legal actors to react.
“At the courthouse, people can react in any way. Many people don’t feel safe. People are facing difficult situations, mental health issues, substance abuse, etc. People who work must be safe. It starts with arches and with special constables in all the rooms,” summarizes Me Côté.
The president of the special constables union Franck Peralès believes that this type of event is increasingly common in courthouses. “It’s not extremely rare. It’s more and more violent in the courthouses, like society,” he explains.
“As a union, I find this deplorable,” he protests. It’s risky work, our members are at risk. We always deplore these incidents in courthouses,” concludes Mr. Peralès.
The woman appeared in court in the afternoon and was released with conditions.
