Survivors and advocates in Montreal are speaking out in support of proposed legislation that would allow people to request information about a current or former partner’s history of violence.
The Fréchette government introduced the “Gabie Renaud” bill Wednesday, aimed at strengthening protections for victims of domestic violence.
If passed, the legislation would allow someone who fears for their own safety, or the safety of their child, to request information about a partner’s history of abuse.
“Because we don’t need violence in our society, we need more love and peace of mind. People who attack their partners do not have peace of mind,” said Amandine Grocaut, author and multidisciplinary artist.
Nancy Boucher, a domestic violence survivor and advocate, believes the death of Gabie Renaud could have been prevented. Boucher is the former partner of Jonathan Blanchet, the man accused of killing Renaud.
Boucher said she had Blanchet arrested 13 times during their relationship and became frustrated with what she describes as a lack of accountability within the justice system. Her experience led her to launch a petition calling for stricter follow-up measures from the moment complaints are filed through to parole supervision.
“From what I went through with my ex-partner, the follow-ups are not that strict,” said Boucher. “I saw him multiple times not show up to therapy, not attend meetings with his parole officer, and he was never sent back in prison for this. So the justice system has work to do.”
Grocaut is also a survivor of domestic violence and has shared her experience in her book Violente Tendresse, illustrated with her own artwork.
“I survived my ex-fiancé who almost killed me in January 2023,” said Grocaut.
Grocaut said access to information about a partner’s past does not always make it easier to leave an abusive relationship. She said she was aware of her ex-fiancé’s criminal record early in their relationship.
“I chose to stay,” said Grocaut. “Because I was myself really dependent on his affection, because even when we know the facts, we rarely take decisions only based on the rational part of the equation.”
Boucher said manipulation often plays a major role in abusive relationships.
“The problem with these men is that they’re extremely manipulative,” said Boucher. “At the start of the relationship, there’s what we call love bombing, they shower you with love, gifts, attention, affection. So it’s easy to fall in love and get pulled into it.”
Under the proposed legislation, anyone aged 14 or older would be able to request information, but only about someone 18 years old or older.
The bill also includes penalties intended to prevent misuse. False claims could lead to fines ranging from $500 to $15,000, while publicly sharing the information, including on social media, could result in fines of up to $30,000.
Grocaut said she hopes the conversation around domestic violence also leads to broader discussions about emotional well-being and prevention.
“I would love to see more of that,” said Grocaut. “More initiatives in the society that, you know, faster, more peace of mind, and enable people to express their emotions more.”
Boucher’s petition has gathered 8,000 signatures so far, with a goal of reaching 10,000 before May 25. The Quebec government hopes to pass the bill before the parliamentary session ends June 12.
