Éducaloi
Éducaloi is a registered charity whose mission is to explain the law in everyday language. You can access their website to find information about the different legal systems in Quebec and how they might apply to your situation.
Criminal justice system
To file a report, you can go to your local police station or call 911 if it is an emergency. The OSVRSE can also facilitate a meeting with local police officers. There is no deadline to file a report for a criminal act.
If you want to provide anonymous information, you can call Info-Crime Montréal at 514.393.1133.
The police officers will take down sufficient information to determine whether to uphold the complaint and to write a report. By the end of the meeting, they will give you an event number. In the case of a sexual assault, police officers may take you to a designated centre to gather forensic evidence if the assault occurred in the last 5 days. It is your choice whether or not to proceed with the medical examination.
In Montreal, you will have a follow-up meeting with a detective from the Sexual Assault Unit of the SPVM, where you will write and sign a detailed statement. The criminal and penal prosecuting attorney (crown attorney) will use the investigation report to determine whether or not to lay charges and institute legal proceedings.
For more information, you can access Plaidoyer-Victimes’ Navigating Your Way Through the Justice System online and the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.
Human Rights Commission
Coming soon
Civil court system
A survivor of sexual assault can take the assailant to a civil court to ask for compensation (an amount of money) to repair the harm suffered.
As of May 23, 2013, survivors have 30 years to initiate a civil case. Before that date, the time limit was 3 years, which means that if the assault took place before May 23, 2010, a civil case may be refused. The time limit starts from the time the survivor becomes aware of the harm they suffered due to the assault, and only after they turn 18 if it occurred when they were a child.
Please consult a lawyer if you wish to initiate a civil case.
Labour Board
Coming soon
