On December 6, we remember the tragic loss of 14 women due to gender-based violence. This year’s alerts about potential feminicides highlight the ongoing threat. Clémence, a woman seeking help from Juripop, faced escalating violence from her ex-partner after separating. The organization prioritized her safety and mobilized a team of professionals to prevent further harm. Collective action can make a significant difference in combating domestic violence and protecting vulnerable individuals.
Honoring the Memory of Victims
On December 6, we take a moment to remember the tragic loss of 14 women whose lives were cut short simply because they were women. This remembrance is vital, as gender-based violence remains deeply entrenched in our society, affecting our everyday lives.
The Alarm of Possible Feminicide
This year, my cellphone buzzed with alerts over 20 times, each one reading “possible feminicide.” Wherever I found myself, whether at home or out in nature, my instinct was to wonder if I knew the woman who had just lost her life.
The most recent notification was about a woman in her forties residing in Montreal. My thoughts immediately turned to the many women that Juripop supports on a daily basis.
One name that came to mind was Clémence. I quickly tried to recall what arrangements were in place for her family. I grabbed my phone, opened the notification, and felt compelled to learn more. I texted my colleagues, asking, “Clémence is from Montreal, right? Which neighborhood?” They responded, “No, no, it’s Laval.” It wasn’t Clémence this time, but it easily could have been.
The Story of Clémence
When Clémence first reached out to Juripop, she found herself with limited resources. A friend had informed her about our services on the very night she chose to separate, driven by the fear of imminent danger. She could no longer tolerate the daily violence and the impact it had on her children.
Before even thinking about representing Clémence in court for child custody, Juripop takes several critical steps to establish a safety net and protection for her. This is essential, as the end of a relationship is a crucial moment in the cycle of domestic violence, increasing the risk of harm to both the victim and her children.
Our legal team asks a series of questions to assess how Clémence and her children can be safeguarded:
- Does she have a support network ready to assist her?
- Can her former partner locate her easily?
- Should she consider temporary shelter?
- Is she aware of the available frontline resources?
- Is her current residence secure?
- Does her ex-partner know her address or workplace?
- Does she have an alarm system or surveillance cameras?
- Are the school or daycare informed of her situation?
Juripop advises Clémence to update her passwords across all devices, ensuring the same for her children.
Unfortunately, Clémence’s responses were alarming. Her ex-partner was becoming increasingly violent and had resumed substance use. She encountered him at the subway right after her work shift. Friends informed her that he had lost his job, and despite changing her phone number, he found ways to contact her, bombarding her with messages daily. Although she had only been separated for a few days, she felt trapped.
Mobilizing for Change
It was these alarming signs of post-separation violence that compelled the Juripop team to activate a rapid action unit.
The collaborative effort around Clémence’s family was incredibly moving. Over twenty professionals from various institutions and community organizations united for a common purpose: to prevent a feminicide.
Often, when a notification pings on our phones, a sense of helplessness washes over us. The work we do often goes unnoticed, making it hard to determine if we have successfully intervened to stop a feminicide. That night, as I settled into bed, I texted my colleagues, “I believe we saved a life.”
This is the essence of collective action: by teaming up, we can alter the course of events in a meaningful way.
Justine Fortin
Lawyer
Director of Legal Services for Juripop, frequently collaborates with women who have experienced domestic violence.
For immediate support, contact SOS Domestic Violence at 1-800-363-9010.