Migrant women arriving in Quebec must face a double punishment: being a woman and being a migrant. They are 13.6 times more likely to be victims of domestic violence. Is our government expecting them to join the macabre list of women murdered by their spouses?
In Quebec, migrant women occupy a disproportionate share of places in accommodation establishments. In 2023, in the 46 member establishments of the Group of houses for women victims of domestic violence, they represented two-thirds of women in the Montreal region and half in Laval.1.
Migrant women are more vulnerable to domestic violence. The difficulty of finding employment or housing due to prejudice and lack of recognition of their qualifications makes them economically precarious.
The lack of information regarding their status and their rights upon their arrival in Quebec can reduce them to silence.
Thus, the idea of leaving an abusive environment may be discouraged by the prospect of losing their source of income, their housing or even their migration status.
This problem was highlighted by the government in its Integrated Government Strategy 2022-20272. The strategy is based on funding which only serves to delegate government duties to associations helping migrant women and shelters. Investing in associations is a start, but it is far from enough. We need in-depth reform, a desire to break the chains of ignorance and inaction. Let’s listen to community workers and all the stakeholders who work on a daily basis to improve the situation of migrant women arriving in Quebec.
These women are silenced: let’s give them back their voice!
Between injustice and indifference: the judicial system in disarray
The Quebec judicial system is still not equipped to meet the linguistic and cultural needs of migrant women. As Nicolas Côté, domestic violence project coordinator, explains, we cannot talk about domestic violence in the same way to women from ethnic and sexual minorities.
Police officers and judges are not trained in domestic violence and the specificities linked to migration.
Lack of training on cultural and migration issues can lead to erroneous judgments, discriminatory prejudices, or a poor understanding of the needs of these women.
Denunciation of violence is obstructed by the language barrier. She breaks off communication with the police and the courts. Despite the need for interpreter services, the government does not seem to be in favor of renewing its investments in the network of interpreter banks which offer their services to 36 help and accommodation centers in various regions of Quebec3.
These gaps lead to a lack of trust among migrant women in institutions. Manon Monastesse, director of the Federation of Women’s Shelters (FMHF), says that less than 25% of migrant women in her establishments have reported the violence they are victims of to the police.4.
The system, it seems, has abandoned them.
Faced with these challenges, it is imperative that the government of Quebec take concrete measures to improve access to justice for migrant women victims of domestic violence. This means investing in resources tailored to their needs. New policies and procedures that recognize and respect their cultural diversity and fundamental rights are necessary.
Migrant women represent 7% of the Quebec population5. Behind this number hide faces and stories. Quebec must be their refuge, not their prison.
The time for half measures is over. Let us fight for the rights of all women, because without justice, there is no peace.
1. Read “Immigrant women trapped in domestic violence”
2. View the document Countering sexual violence, domestic violence and Rebuilding trust
3. Read “Major disruption in interpreter services for victims of domestic violence”
4. Read “The long road of marginalized women victims of domestic violence”
5. Council on the Status of Women, 2022
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reference: www.lapresse.ca