A project by:
In the Denunciations and complaints category, the resources have been selected to help intervention workers better understand the legal processes related to sexual violence.
Accordingly, the resources offer guidelines on how to address accusations of sexual violence, as well as support those who wish to file a complaint. The information in this section can also be used to help educate others regarding the judicial process and offers tools for navigating the legal system.
Denunciations pertain to public accusations, such as reporting an instance of violence to an authority figure. This can be done with the police, within an institution of work or study, or any other public setting/establishment. Denunciations via social media are also becoming increasingly significant.
Where and how an accusation of sexual violence is made will have an impact on the following procedures and potential outcomes. Informing community members about the possible stages of intervention following a denunciation can help survivors decide where, how, and when, they may choose to file a complaint.
Whether or not a person decides to denounce an experience of violence, it is important to understand the legal and administrative processes involved; knowing what to expect can greatly reduce the negative impacts of navigating the judicial system.
Many of the resources in this section focus on specific realities (immigrants, LGBTQ+, people in vulnerable situations, etc.). This content can help intervention workers better understand the different impacts of the complaints process for people from diverse backgrounds.
Immigration statuses that complicate access to various resources, the pressure of revealing one's gender identity or sexual orientation when filing a complaint, shelters that are not accessible to people with reduced mobility… these nuances, along with many others, must always be taken into consideration when working with survivors. The tools in this section shed light on the factors that are sometimes overlooked regarding specific lived realities, and which constitute significant obstacles to the disclosure of sexual violence suffered by many.
These resources are designed to help broaden one’s perspective of the complex barriers related to complaints and public denunciations, with the goal of learning how to adequately accompany those in need of support, no matter their background.
The YWCA is known for its intersectional approach to the prevention of sexual violence. With our expertise in the field, we offer you a selection of relevant resources: current and varied content that helps to raise awareness and take action.
Here is a list of organizations and support programs available in Quebec and Canada for immediate or specialized assistance.
