Responding to the Crisis of Intimate Partner Violence and Homicide amongst Older Adults

Speakers: Marie-Claude Richer, Catherine Ahélo, Élise Joyal-Pilon

Webinar Description:

Rebâtir is a service established since September 2021 that aims to support victims of domestic and sexual violence in Quebec who are facing complex legal issues. Its approach is human, holistic, and multidisciplinary, focused on individual needs. Rebâtir's strength lies in its team's expertise and collaboration with stakeholders, helping to demystify the judicial system and guide victims toward informed decisions while ensuring a safety net is in place in the event of risky situations. This webinar will describe the political and social context that led to the emergence of this service, describe the mission and development of Rebâtir's services, report on the challenges faced and illustrate them with concrete cases. This webinar will also be an opportunity to share our vision for the future of this service and, more broadly, the services offered to victims, in addition to having an enriching pan-Canadian exchange on these issues.

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Speakers/Panelists: 

Marie-Claude Richer has embodied a deep commitment to justice for 36 years. After 16 years in private practice, she joined legal aid in 2006, distinguishing herself in family law, child representation, and mental health. She has led several legal offices with compassion and leadership. Her involvement in the Bar is marked by numerous mandates and distinctions, including the Mérite du Barreau de Longueuil. Since 2021, she has been the director of Rebâtir, where she continues to defend the most vulnerable with passion and rigor.

Ms. Ahélo began her career in 2011 in criminal law in the metropolitan area before joining Joliette Legal Aid in 2018. Since 2021, she has worked at Rebâtir, where she humanely supports victims in matters of criminal law, housing, and IVAC. She has served on the board of directors of the Cercles de soutien et de responsabilité du Québec, demonstrating her commitment to preventing sexual violence. Ms. Ahélo has completed more than 160 hours of training in domestic and sexual violence and shares her knowledge by training various stakeholders in the social and legal fields.

Ms. Joyal-Pilon has been a legal aid lawyer for 11 years, specializing in administrative, civil, and housing law. She is actively involved with victims of domestic and sexual violence within Rebâtir, where she informs and supports them in their legal proceedings. She contributes to the development of solutions for maintaining security in premises. Her expertise has led her to offer training and practical tools with partners such as Éducaloi and Juripop. A speaker at the 2023 Colloquium on Domestic Violence, she advocates a multidisciplinary approach. She also sits on the board of directors of a shelter.