For several years, young activists in Quebec have been raising their voices to demand a safe and violence-free school environment. They are leading this fight through La voix des jeunes compte (The Voice of Youth Matters), a collective founded in 2018 in response to the #MeToo movement. Their primary goal? The implementation of a provincial framework law to prevent sexual violence in primary and secondary schools across Quebec.
Comprising 23 young women from diverse backgrounds (in French), this collective is tackling a problem that is too often ignored—sexual violence, harassment, and bullying in schools. Through their advocacy, they aim to raise awareness not only among students but also among teachers, school administrators, and policymakers, urging them to take concrete action.
Concrete Initiatives for Lasting Change
Since its inception, La voix des jeunes compte has launched several initiatives to educate, raise awareness, and mobilize the public on the issue of sexual violence in schools.
Powerful Awareness Campaigns
Using social media, they share testimonies, educational content, and prevention tools to highlight the realities of sexual violence in schools. Their Instagram account @lavoixdesjeunescompte features educational videos, personal stories, and guidance for recognizing and addressing inappropriate behavior.
🔹 Recommended video: Understanding Sexual Violence in Schools (in French) – A comprehensive look at the issue and available solutions.
School Conferences & Testimonies
To break the silence surrounding school-based sexual violence, collective members host workshops and discussions in schools. Their goal is to help students understand their rights, recognize warning signs, and access resources. Their tour across Quebec schools provided an essential space for conversations about consent, the culture of silence, and the importance of early prevention.
One of the collective’s key demands is the adoption of a provincial law that would require schools to implement clear protocols for handling cases of sexual violence involving students. In 2021, they presented a detailed policy brief to Quebec’s government, demanding that schools be held accountable for protecting students from sexual violence.
A Movement in Transition: Prioritizing Well-being While Continuing the Fight
One of the collective’s key demands is the adoption of a provincial framework law on the prevention of sexual violence in schools. As of today, no specific regulation requires schools to implement clear protocols for handling cases of sexual violence involving students.
Through their dedicated activism, La voix des jeunes compte has successfully drawn media and government attention in Quebec to this critical issue. In 2021, they presented a detailed policy brief outlining their proposals before provincial decision-makers. Their message is clear: schools must be held accountable for protecting young people from all forms of sexual violence.
Follow Their Work :
- Instagram : @lavoixdesjeunescompte
- YouTube : Official Channel
