A Second Edition Marked by Strong Participation

On June 3, 2025, nearly 250 people gathered in La Prairie for the second edition of the Marie-Vincent Symposium: Preventing Sexual Violence from Ages 0 to 17. The event, made possible thanks to financial support from the Public Health Agency of Canada, brought together professionals from the community, education, health, and social services sectors—all united by the same goal: strengthening the prevention of sexual violence against children and youth.

The discussions were meaningful and forward-thinking. Conferences, panels, interactive booths, and informal exchanges provided opportunities to share inspiring practices, reflect on current challenges, and strengthen ties between stakeholders on the ground.

A Rich and Inspiring Program

Hosted by Lisa Clowery, President and CEO of Marie-Vincent, who served as master of ceremonies throughout the day, the program began with the opening panel, “Prevention from Different Perspectives: Mobilizing, Training, Acting.” Moderated by Simon Derome, the conversation featured Élise Bonneville, Director of the Collectif petite enfance; George Tarabulsy, Full Professor at Université Laval’s School of Psychology and Scientific Director at the Centre de recherche universitaire sur les jeunes et les familles (CRUJeF); and Stéphanie Gareau, Vice-President, Youth Mandate at the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ), for a discussion on complementary prevention approaches.

Two workshop blocks then allowed participants to discover concrete, inspiring initiatives led by committed organizations.

Morning Workshops:

  • Preventing the Early Sexualization of Children Is Also Preventing Sexual Violence – Francine Duquet, retired professor of sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal

  • Neurodiversity and Sexuality Education: Discover the Iris Project – L’Anonyme

  • Boussole Program: Preventing Sexual Violence Among 6–12-Year-Olds in Community, Recreation, and Camp Settings – Marie-Vincent

  • Mi-temps Project: Preventing Sexual and Cyber Violence in Sports – Marie-Vincent

Afternoon Workshops:

  • Prevention and Intervention in the Context of Sexual Exploitation: Sharing Knowledge and Tools – Marie-Vincent

  • Children’s Literature as a Powerful Tool for Positive, Inclusive, and Comprehensive Sexuality Education! – Nathalie Ringuette, youth worker and children’s author

  • Voies Project: Paving the Way for Prevention with Children Requiring Additional Support – Marie-Vincent

  • Cyberheroes: How to Make Teens Allies in Preventing Online Violence Against Girls, Women, and LGBTQ+ People? – Les 3 sex*

A Closing Panel on Secondary Victimization

The day concluded with a socio-judicial panel on a fundamental issue: secondary victimization. Isabelle Negri-Corbeil, Head of Service at Youth Protection Services – Evaluation/Orientation Physical and Sexual Abuse; Annie Thériault, Captain and Head of the Specialized Sexual Violence Unit (SSVS), Criminal Investigations Division at the Sûreté du Québec; and Me Kim Emond, Crown Prosecutor at the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP), shared best practices and insights to better support young victims throughout the judicial and social processes.

Participant Profile: A Diverse and Engaged Network

Notably, 89% of participants were attending the symposium for the first time, reflecting a growing interest in these critical issues.

Highlights from the on-site data:

  • 43% of participants were from Montérégie, followed by 29% from Montréal

  • The most represented sectors were community and education (32% each)

  • A majority had over 10 years of experience working with youth

  • Common professional roles included: special education teacher, social worker, youth worker, psychologist, educational advisor, sexologist, and practitioners in youth settings, educational support, or police contexts

These figures illustrate the breadth and richness of expertise mobilized throughout the day.

Prevention: An Essential Investment

This symposium reaffirmed that prevention is a vital pillar for building a safer and more compassionate society. Prevention means acting early, raising awareness, educating, and creating safe environments for youth.

However, for these efforts to have a lasting impact, they must be supported by adequate resources. The needs are great, solutions exist, and the expertise is here. This was clearly demonstrated by the organizations present in the exhibit space, who showcased tools, programs, and approaches that truly make a difference on the ground. Among them: CAVAC Montérégie, CPIVAS, SPVM, CHSSN, the Fédération québécoise des organismes communautaires Famille (FQOCF), Naître et grandir, the Société québécoise de la déficience intellectuelle (SQDI), the Association des Haltes-Garderies communautaires du Québec (AHGCQ), Éditions Émotion, the Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw, the Institut de pédiatrie sociale en communauté, and the Regroupement des Auberges du cœur, alongside Marie-Vincent’s own kiosks.

A Warm and Friendly End to the Day

The day wrapped up on a friendly note with a networking cocktail, giving participants the chance to continue exchanging ideas. A prize draw was also held, featuring tools from Marie-Vincent, contributions from partners, and a wellness basket—reminding us of the importance of self-care in intervention work.

Thank you to everyone who took part in this powerful day and who, through their commitment, continue to move prevention forward.

📸 Check out the photo album from the symposium here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NUhsCbRUg/