The Laval United Against Sexual Violence (LACVS) project, carried out in collaboration with the Table de concertation en violence conjugale et agressions à caractère sexuel de Laval (TCVCASL), officially released its research report on december 8th. The study was conducted in partnership with the Laboratory for the Study of Violence and Sexuality at Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM) and was made possible through the support of the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation and the City of Laval, under its Regional Social Development Policy (PRDS).
The report was presented during an online event held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., bringing together more than 100 participants from the community, education, sports, institutional and academic sectors. According to the organizers, the event aimed to share findings, encourage dialogue and strengthen intersectoral collaboration.
The session included remarks from Kaila Bertone, Program Coordinator at Zéro Exploitation, who highlighted the importance of coordinated action and concrete engagement by local stakeholders to transform practices related to sexual violence. The event was facilitated by Geneviève Dionne, a registered social worker and Executive Director of the TCVCASL, and concluded with a question-and-answer period reflecting sustained interest from participants.
An Analysis of Regional Realities
The research provides an in-depth assessment of regional realities surrounding the prevention, intervention and management of sexual violence across three sectors: education, sports and community services. The findings identify several organizational and structural challenges while also pointing to increased mobilization among organizations and institutions in Laval.
Key Recommendations
The report outlines a series of recommendations, including the need for stronger institutional leadership, updated and harmonized policies and procedures, improved access to ongoing training, clearer regional directives and decision-making pathways, and the appointment of a regional resource person dedicated to sexual violence issues. According to the authors, these measures aim to improve coordination between sectors, facilitate access to specialized resources and support a more consistent and sustainable response for individuals affected by sexual violence.
“Prevention and intervention in matters of sexual violence cannot be treated as isolated or optional initiatives; they require a shared vision, a multisectoral integrated approach and, above all, strong political commitment,” said Mylène Fernet, Ph.D., Director of the Laboratory for the Study of Violence and Sexuality at UQÀM.
“These recommendations are not meant to remain on paper; they must guide concrete action, strengthen partnerships, support mobilized sectors and inspire implementation wherever possible,” added Lauriane Dufour, Project Coordinator for LACVS.
A Collective Responsibility
The report concludes by calling for sustained regional mobilization, the consolidation of existing initiatives and the establishment of long-term mechanisms to prevent and respond to sexual violence. While the study focuses on three sectors within Laval, the authors note that several findings and recommendations may be relevant to other regions seeking to strengthen their own approaches.
The full report, along with a summary factsheet and additional tools, will be made publicly available on the PRDS website.
