Delay in releasing strategy to combat sexual violence betrays 'indifference,' groups charge

Two groups fighting sexual assault and exploitation in Quebec are accusing the provincial government of "indifference" to victims of sexual violence.

The two groups — the Concertation des luttes contre l'exploitation sexuelle, known as CLES, and the Regroupement des centres d'aide et de lutte contre les agressions à caractère sexuel, or RQCALACS — said Thursday they've been waiting in vain for a government strategy on sexual violence for three years.

Statistics from the Public Security Ministry show 16,000 crimes of a sexual nature have been reported to police in Quebec over that time period. The groups suggest the real number of alleged incidents could be 20 times higher, because only about five per cent of alleged victims turn to police.

"How many women and girls have to become victims of sexual violence in order for this strategy to become a government priority?" the groups asked in a news release.

The government had promised to come up with a strategy by last spring, but a spokesman for Quebec's Status of Women Minister Lise Thériault said it's still in the works.

"The launch should happen very soon," Karl Sasseville told CBC Montreal.

Sasseville said fighting sexual violence is a government priority, and frustrations with the strategy's delay are understandable.

Global strategy

Éliane Legault-Roy, a spokeswoman for CLES, said the province responds to "localized problems" but needs to focus more on tackling the broader issues around sexual violence.

The approach is, "'Oh, there's a problem with girls escaping [group homes], so we're going to give a little money there'," Legault-Roy said.

She called on the government to introduce a global strategy that clearly defines sexual violence and provides better support for victims.

The groups also want to see a prevention plan that takes into account the systemic roots of such violence.

Sasseville said the government has a number of programs in place already and has pledged $157 million between 2016 and 2021 for sexual violence prevention and support for victims.