A 36-year-old man appeared by teleconference in Joliette court on Monday and was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a 32-year-old woman.
On Tuesday, Quebec Provincial Police said officers were called to a home in St-Donat, Que., Located approximately 135 kilometers north of Montreal, around 2:45 p.m. Monday after the “inanimate” body of a woman inside.
The mother of five was taken to the hospital, but was later pronounced dead.
The Crown said the man was charged with second-degree murder based on early investigation findings that indicated it was not premeditated.
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The Crown also requested that the judge issue an order preventing the defendant from communicating with various people close to the investigation. The order also prohibits her from communicating with her five children.
When asked if he understood the order, the defendant was moved and said: “But I want to see my children.”
The defendant was detained by the Sûreté du Québec in Ste-Agathe, but was expected to be transferred to Joliette on Wednesday afternoon.
He will remain in custody until his next court appearance on October 20.
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The death of the woman is the fifteenth alleged femicide of 2021 in Quebec.
It happened on the same day that the government announced additional resources for survivors of sexual and domestic violence in the form of free legal consultations.
It is one of many recent government initiatives aimed at addressing the problem of domestic violence and violence against women.
While the Regroupement des maisons pour femmes victimes de violet conjugale, a network representing 40 women’s shelters, praised the government’s efforts and said more needs to be done.
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The group is asking Quebec to implement the 190 recommendations of the committee’s expert report on support for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence entitled Rebuild trust.
“All women have the right to security, integrity and freedom,” said Chantal Arseneault, president of the network, in a press release. “Let’s not relax our efforts.”
If you are someone who knows you are experiencing domestic violence, help is available toll-free at 1-800-363-9010. In an emergency, call 911.
–With files from Gloria Henriquez from Global News
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