Domestic violence : A campaign to protect children

Children at the heart of marital conflict become collateral victims. An amendment to the Youth Protection Act has prompted the Réseau des partenaires contre la violence faite aux femmes Jardins-Roussillon to launch a campaign to raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence on children.

Translation Amanda Bennett 

“We tend to forget about the children,” reminded Jennifer-Ann Dooling, outreach worker at Re-Source in Châteauguay, an organization that annually receives 1,500 requests for help from women who are victims of domestic violence- a number that is on the rise. “The change in the DPJ Act provided a welcome momentum that led us to work on the project." It supports the view that exposure to domestic violence compromises a child's safety and development. Ms. Dooling added that the child is often at the center of the conflict, and even used as a tool.

The goal is to raise public awareness about the consequences of actions and words,” explained Érika Grondin, Community Relations and Media Officer with the Châteauguay Police Department. "It's not right to behave that way in front of children." She pointed out that the child may, among other things, isolate themselves or exhibit a loss of confidence. “If children witness domestic violence, they may be inclined to repeat it,” she continued. “It's important to mobilize.”

It's everyone's concern
A series of social network messages, direct mailings (depending on the sector), bus shelters and buses will encourage parents to think about their words and actions. The general public will also be made aware of the importance of taking action in such situations.

“We have to avoid getting to that point [domestic violence],” commented the Re-Source outreach worker. "You have to speak out against unhealthy dynamics. Inform. Don't think it only happens to others. No one wants to feel regret the next day."

Ms. Grondin added that patrol officers often file reports with the Direction de la protection de la jeunesse (DPJ) for verbal quarrels or violent gestures when a child is present. It's quite a serious problem,” she noted. "We see feminicides. We get a lot of calls. Victims are better equipped and are reporting more."

AVIF, Pouvoir d'agir and the Régie intermunicipale de police Roussillon were also involved in developing the campaign.