“We will not resolve the problem in three years”: we must maintain funding for the fight against violence against women, believes the mayor of Longueuil

Disturbed by the increase in violence against women, the mayor of Longueuil implores Quebec to maintain funding for the fight against this scourge.

“It’s such a shame to put in place initiatives that work, but which could fail. I understand that prevention is expensive, but it costs a lot less than taking action after a crime,” says Catherine Fournier.

She decided to speak out as part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women declared by the UN.

Quebec has chosen to mark the twelve days between November 25 and December 6, the day of the Polytechnique tragedy.

She points out that in the territory of the Longueuil agglomeration, crime has exploded in 10 years, more particularly for sexual crimes, reports of child pornography and domestic violence.

Fortunately, money has been invested by Quebec to help police forces effectively combat these serious problems.

“Here is a program”

But these envelopes are unfortunately not permanent, which prevents us from eradicating the problem for good, deplores Ms. Fournier.

“In politics, when there is a problem, we create a solution, we say: ‘Here is a program,’ and we give money for three years. But what happens after three years? denounces M^me Fournier.

She gives the example of the John School type program, which allows for the diversion of people caught while obtaining sexual services.

This pilot project should end next spring. But the mayor is of the opinion that it must continue, and even extend throughout Quebec.

The same goes for initiatives put in place to counter domestic violence following a wave of feminicides in the province. Initiatives have been created with funding, but this is not a blank check and the measure is only temporary.

Under pressure

“In three years, we will not resolve the problem of domestic violence. And if it is not renewed, it puts us under pressure. The amounts are high, we cannot keep up financially [du gouvernement]», explains Catherine Fournier.

Furthermore, by investing fewer resources in prevention, this will lead to more crimes.

“That will cost more in police resources, there will be even longer delays, and we know the effect of delays on victims. The uncertainty of waiting if there are going to be charges filed, that’s the worst waiting time,” she says.

Targeting Customers: Tackling Demand

Since the spring of 2022, Longueuil police officers have arrested 183 clients for solicitation of sexual services. Unlike those who were caught elsewhere in Quebec, some were able to benefit from a unique program allowing them to avoid a criminal record. But to get there, they had to agree to educate themselves about sexual exploitation. They also had to participate in individual therapy sessions.

Of the 183 men arrested, more than 75% were eligible for the pilot project (those with a history of sexual violence or violence against women were excluded). And of those who have since completed the entire program, eight have been excluded or dropped out.

“The customer is the one who must be targeted. What creates supply is demand. There is not a pimp who would do what he does if no one bought his product,” said Catherine Fournier.

Massage parlors: raising awareness

“When I arrived as mayor, I told myself that we should close that, the erotic massage parlors.”

Catherine Fournier admits to having quickly realized that putting the key in the door of these establishments risks rather “displacing the problem”.

Instead, she asked the police to go into the field to reach out to sex workers and raise awareness.

The Journal recently attended one of the 15 police operations of the year.

As part of the Partage project, police officers make courtesy visits to various places where sexual services are offered, including massage parlors.

The latter are also concerned about the growing number of workers of Asian origin, to the point where they fear that a human trafficking network is involved.

The justice system must be ready

“When a victim files a complaint, the system must be ready,” she insists.

Catherine Fournier is well placed to talk about the support of victims of sexual crimes. She herself reported her attacker and had to go through a long legal process. Former MP Harold LeBel was finally found guilty by a jury precisely two years ago, on November 23, 2022.

He received an eight-month prison sentence.

Catherine Fournier had, in the meantime, had the publication ban on her identity lifted, in order to openly share her experience. His speaking out helped victims to denounce in turn.

“It’s a difficult process, but it made me discover a strength that I had. We are stronger than our attackers,” she adds.