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Quebec adds $233 million to fight domestic violence after spate of killings this year

Apr 23, 2021 | 12:37 PM

MONTREAL — Quebec is investing an additional $223 million into the fight against domestic violence in the wake of a spate of femicides this year.

At least 10 women have been killed by their male partners in 2021, a situation advocates say has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public Security Minister Genevieve Guilbault said today the funding will be spread over five years and is in addition to amounts already announced.

The Quebec government was criticized for spending too little to fight domestic violence after it included $22.5 million over five years in the most recent budget.

Women’s shelters in the province will receive an extra $92 million over the five-year span.

Guilbault says every femicide breaks her heart and is urging women to seek a safe haven if they’re facing physical or psychological violence.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 23, 2021.

The Canadian Press