The femicide of Chloé Lauzon-Rivard in Granby rekindles the desire to fight against domestic violence in Estrie.
The victim was found lifeless in Granby on Friday evening. Her partner, Michael Dugas-Farcy, a 32-year-old man, has been formally charged with second-degree murder. He will return to the Granby courthouse Monday morning.
In the indictment, a copy of which was obtained by Radio-Canada, we can read that the murder took place between January 1st and 5th and that it occurred in the context of domestic violence.
A family in mourning
The victim's father, Gilles Rivard, took to Facebook to express his sadness and pay tribute to his daughter: “So fragile at birth, so delicate, become a woman with a big heart who is always there , to help others,” he wrote on this social network.
Mr. Rivard also changed his profile photo on Facebook, replacing it with an image of a ribbon with the words “No to Violence Against Women” written on it.
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The victim's identity was confirmed by authorities on Saturday.
Photo: Facebook – Chloé Lauzon Rivard
This message contains many comments in which his loved ones expressed their condolences to the family. Many of the victim's friends and colleagues also published photos and memories that they shared with her on social networks.
For the president of the Association of Homes for Women Victims of Domestic Violence, the people around Chloé Lauzon-Rivard should not blame themselves for what happened.
It is important that family members do not blame themselves because there are so many strategies on the part of the spouse, so much manipulation in domestic violence that you don't see it.
She says the signs can often be very subtle, such as isolation, stress, increased fatigue or a change in behavior.
According to the Association of Homes for Women Victims of Domestic Violence, there were seven femicides related to domestic violence in 2023.
We all have to play a part in changing this culture
According to Isabelle Boisclair, a professor at the University of Sherbrooke, citizens need to intervene, without necessarily witnessing direct violence, if they see signs of control exerted by a spouse. They must also remain critical of representations conveyed in cultural works.
We see it in the movies: women […] live [les ruptures] in sadness, but men experience it in violence.
In her opinion, it is important to emphasize that it is possible for both men and women to live happy lives after a breakup, despite grief and initial pain.
She believes that the people around her, including male role models, need to talk more about how they got through this difficult time.
Isabelle Boisclair also hopes that the victims will not be ashamed to seek help, as there are numerous aid organizations.
“I think we have to send the message that they can and must save themselves,” says the professor.
There is no shame in going to a shelter. You have to be proud to save yourself.
In 2021 and 2022, 2,700 women were housed in the 43 shelters for women victims of domestic violence in Quebec.
A resident of the region also issued a warning just a few days ago. Laury Choinière of Bromont, who was seriously injured in connection with domestic violence, urged victims to report the crime and distance themselves from their abusive spouse. According to Professor Isabelle Boisclair, this message should resonate.
With information from Jeanne Trépanier