Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, which runs from May 12 to 18, highlights the resilience of people dealing with the after-effects of crime, as victims work towards recovering from their ordeal. It’s also an opportunity to acknowledge the concerted efforts of all partners who put victims at the forefront of their actions. At Marie-Vincent, where we support young victims of sexual violence, the provision of integrated services is at the core of our mission.
With this in mind, we had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Karine Lagacé-Paquette, an attorney with the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP) in Montreal, who has been working with young victims of sexual and physical abuse for close to five years. Her collaboration with Marie-Vincent, both in the course of her duties as a prosecutor and since her recent arrival at Cercle de Marvin, testifies to her dedication to young people.
“When I arrived at the Montreal DPCP in 2019, I was asked to support the team, which was overworked. I soon realized that this was the best way for me to make a difference in my day-to-day work. Since then, in the performance of my duties, I’ve been able to help Marie-Vincent contribute to the lives of sexually abused children and teenagers. I wanted to do my part by getting involved in Marvin’s Circle, and thus help raise donations so that Marie-Vincent can continue its essential mission of prevention and support,” she stated.
When a incident of sexual violence involving minors is reported, the different partners are activated through a multi-sectoral agreement. These players include the police, youth protection services (DPJ), the DPCP, schools and daycare centres. Meanwhile, other organizations and agencies are also mobilizing to meet the needs of young victims and their families. Marie-Vincent, as a child and youth advocacy center, is also sought to provide its integrated services. Whether it’s for a police investigative interview or medical consultation, or for psychosocial, socio-legal or psychotherapeutic support, the various services are offered under one roof, helping to reduce the risk of secondary victimization.
Karine Lagacé-Paquette confirms the benefits of this collaboration, both in her work and in the well-being of the victims: “A number of child and adolescent victims of sexual violence are fortunate to have the support and services of Marie-Vincent. For example, the police interview can be conducted and recorded on their premises rather than at the police station, and information or preliminary meetings during the legal process can also take place there rather than at the courthouse, which can be an intimidating and cold place for young victims. Providing a more friendly, warm and child-centred environment allows me to establish a better bond of trust. The child feels supported by a team that is committed to their well-being, which makes it easier to move through the legal process. Parents are also better equipped to accompany their child, since an immediate intervention service is offered to them when the allegation of sexual violence is substantiated after the police investigation interview.”
Given the complexity of the needs of child victims of sexual violence and the people closest to them, it is vital that the various professional partners share responsibilities and actions. This ensures consistency in everyone’s actions.
“First of all, it’s important to remember that this type of offence involves sensitive and traumatic events for young victims, making them very vulnerable. In carrying out our duties, we must act with empathy and sensitivity. It is essential to put the victim foremost among our priorities. They must feel heard, supported and respected. Psychosocial/legal support is essential throughout the process after disclosure.”
Karine Lagacé-Paquette’s vision, steeped in empathy and respect, testifies to the importance she attaches to each victim’s story, to their journey through the various stages of the judicial process, and to the role she plays in their recovery: “It is the duty of all partners to properly support victims of sexual assault, both inside and outside the justice system. My hope is that we can meet their needs during their time in court and that this will play a part in their healing process.”
As long as there are young victims of sexual violence, Marie-Vincent will be there to support them and help them overcome this ordeal by offering specialized, effective services adapted to their needs. By sharing our expertise with partners and the community, together we can offer the best possible services.
Our warmest thanks to Karine Lagacé-Paquette for her unfailing commitment and invaluable collaboration.
Lastly, we also want to thank the Québec Ministry of Justice, which has supported Marie-Vincent annually for several years, helping us to restore hope to young victims who have been through the unimaginable.