By Ruby Pratka,

Local Journalism Initiative

Representatives of the provincial directorate for youth protection (Directeur de la protection de la jeunesse, DPJ), public health officials and organizations providing support to survivors and recovering perpetrators of domestic violence expressed concern about the impact of domestic violence on children during the presentation of the directorate’s annual report last week.

In April 2023, the DPJ formally made the presence of domestic violence reason enough to consider a child’s safety of development “compromised” and to initiate protective measures which can in extreme cases include placing the child in a new home. “We, the directors of youth protection, are charged with applying the law in exceptional circumstances where children’s safety and development are compromised or at risk of being compromised. The situation of children exposed to domestic violence challenges us and mobilizes us,” said Stéphanie Jetté, director of youth protection for Estrie. She noted that children exposed to domestic violence are at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and a penchant for at-risk behaviour during their teen years.

Jetté presented an overview of DPJ interventions in Estrie over the past year, noting that there had been a slight (2.4 per cent) decrease in reports made to the DPJ overall, but a 17 per cent increase in reports where domestic violence concerns were raised, making it the third most common motive for a DPJ report, after suspected neglect and suspected physical abuse of a child. Most reports came from law enforcement, community organizations or schools. Just under 51 per cent of reports, involving 311 children and teens and their families, were found to warrant DPJ intervention. Half of the children affected have been able to stay in their homes. “When removal [of a child from their home] becomes inevitable, we work together to assure they can be returned home as soon as possible,” she said.

Jetté mentioned that 718 children and teens were waiting to have a formal evaluation of their situation made by the DPJ, attributing this mainly to the ongoing labour shortage. “We’re still missing 35 per cent of our staff,” Jetté said.

Gaelle Simon, director of general services at the CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS, gave a brief “myths vs. facts” presentation on domestic violence, emphasizing that it doesn’t happen overnight, is not necessarily physical and does not exclusively affect women – as many as one in four victims is a man. “It’s not a private problem; it’s a social problem that we must put a stop to to protect women and to protect children who witness violence. Humiliating someone, blackmailing someone, geo-tracking… all of that can be domestic violence. If you’re a victim or a perpetrator of domestic violence and you see yourself in those [descriptions] … or if you have doubts about your relationship, don’t hesitate to get help.” She encouraged anyone who needed support to call 811 or go to their local CLSC to meet with a social worker in person. She urged children and teens who suspect a family member may be in a violent relationship to call 811 or speak to a trusted adult at school. “Whatever door you knock at, we’ll be there.” She emphasized recent changes to police and legal procedure for domestic violence that reduce the number of times a complainant has to repeat their story and put in place a “rapid-acting safety net” around affected families, which may include placement in a shelter, halfway house or respite facility, or outpatient services offered by a shelter, and individual or group psychological support for perpetrators or potential perpetrators. “Asking for help is the best gift you could give yourself, your children and those close to you,” said Josée Michel, director of Le Seuil de l’estrie, a bilingual information and support service for men, women and teens who are at risk of committing violence.