Domestic violence: Minister Boulet needs to offer victims a way out
The Intersyndicale des femmes commends Minister of Labour Jean Boulet’s openness regarding victims of domestic violence. During a meeting yesterday with the representatives of the Intersyndicale des femmes, he suggested holding periodic meetings to discuss the matter.
The Intersyndicale des femmes immediately agreed to meet with the minister again but warned that it expects concrete actions to help victims of domestic and family violence. “We agree that some measures are already in place, said the Intersyndicale des femmes representatives. The ten paid days off for victims of domestic violence that we are demanding is a complementary measure to help them. It would give them some income so that a lack of it would not be an obstacle upon leaving a violent home.”
In a country-wide analysis of the help offered to victims of violence, Quebec fared poorly. It does very little to protect victims of domestic and family violence in terms of their right to work as compared to the federal, provincial and territory governments. In fact, only Alberta is less generous than Quebec. It is high time that the Quebec government fixed this! Protecting victims of domestic violence is a collective responsibility and that includes employers.
A petition was recently posted on the National Assembly’s website demanding ten paid days off for victims of domestic violence. Many have already signed it, in particular spokespeople from the opposition for the status of women. “We are extending a hand to Minister Boulet, asking him to join his voice with the hundreds of others who are demanding a way out for victims of domestic violence, say the Intersyndicale des femmes representatives. When a victim must escape in the middle of the night with her children, she should not be held back by the fear of losing her income and being unable to financially meet their needs. Mr. Boulet has the power to amend the law and change this.”
Awareness campaigns are great, but they are not enough to stop a violent person. The terrible wave of femicides over the last months has proved as much. Change is needed now!