The Fréchette government tabled the “Gabie Renaud” bill on Wednesday to better protect women from domestic violence.
The legislation “aims to allow the disclosure to a person who fears for their safety or that of their child of information concerning the history of domestic violence of a current or former intimate partner.”
The person at risk will have to fill out a form — online or at a police station — which will be analyzed by the Sûreté du Québec (SQ). Police officers will then search for information, and the relevant details will be communicated to the person through an organization yet to be determined.
“When the information is provided to the person who made the request, they will be offered appropriate support and referred to the necessary resources,” the government stated.
The idea for this law has been gaining traction since the death of Gabie Renaud last September, presumably killed by her partner who had a long history of domestic violence.
READ: Some 600 people sign open letter calling for new Quebec law to prevent femicides
Québec solidaire has been advocating for the adoption of such a law, inspired by Clare’s Law in the United Kingdom.
Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette subsequently made it a campaign promise during her leadership campaign.
The opposition parties support the CAQ government’s legislative initiative.
Clare’s Law was adopted in England following the murder of Clare Wood by her ex-partner in 2009. He had a history of violence against women.
Several Canadian provinces have already adopted this type of law, such as Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
There have reportedly been 10 suspected femicides in Quebec since the beginning of the year.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
