William Dale – Local Journalism Initiative
Published online August 12, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
CAMPBELL’S BAY – Victims of sexual and domestic violence in the Pontiac will now have access to a more specialized and trauma-informed justice process following the launch of Quebec’s Specialized Court for Sexual and Domestic Violence at the Campbell’s Bay courthouse.
This comes after the Campbell’s Bay courthouse became officially part of a major province-wide shift in how cases of sexual and domestic violence are handled within the justice system.
Following a June 30 announcement by the Quebec government, a new specialized court structure has officially launched in the judicial districts of Pontiac and Gatineau.
As of July 6, the model has been deployed across all judicial districts in Quebec, bringing dedicated resources and specialized personnel directly to the local courthouse in Campbell’s Bay.
According to Cathy Chenard of the Ministry of Justice, the rollout represents an ongoing
culture shift designed to offer better support, safety, and sensitivity for victims navigating the criminal justice pipeline.
New dedicated personnel
A key element of the deployment in Campbell’s Bay is the introduction of specialized, face-to-face support roles. A socio-judicial liaison officer, a position specifically created for this specialized court model, has been hired through the local CAVAC (Crime Victims Assistance Centre) to provide continuous guidance to victims.
Additionally, a dedicated prosecutor from the Directeur des poursuites criminelles et
pénales (DPCP) is now stationed at the Campbell’s Bay courthouse. This prosecutor will accompany victims through every step of their legal proceedings, ensuring they do not have to retell their stories to multiple rotating lawyers.
To support this shift, specialized training on the realities of sexual and domestic violence is being opened up to all local socio-judicial workers who interact with victims. Across Quebec, over 14,000 workers have already completed this curriculum to ensure more empathetic and informed interactions.
Courthouse upgrades and remote testimony capabilities
The implementation also brings physical modifications to the historic Campbell’s Bay courthouse to prioritize victim safety and reduce the stress of facing an accused individual.
Renovations are currently underway to set up a second dedicated room for the CAVAC and victims. This space is designed as a secure environment away from the main public waiting areas.
Furthermore, the local CAVAC has already been equipped with specialized remote testimony technology, allowing victims to give evidence via video link rather than having to stand directly in the courtroom if necessary.
Local support partners welcome coordinated approach
Regional community organizations like L’EntourElle, which provides vital support services for victims of domestic violence in the Pontiac, emphasize that the new specialized court is designed to enhance—not replace—the essential services already active in the region.
“Our community is fortunate to have dedicated organizations and professionals who provide vital support… The Specialized Court for Domestic and Sexual Violence does not replace these services, it strengthens them,” said Ashley Nadeau, Services Coordinator at L’EntourElle.
Nadeau noted that the new framework creates a more accessible, coordinated,
and trauma-informed experience for individuals seeking justice. By bringing judges, prosecutors, police officers, and court staff under specialized training, the judicial process aims to reduce secondary victimization.
“When victims feel safe coming forward, are supported throughout the legal process, and have confidence in the justice system, our community becomes safer, stronger, and more resilient,” Nadeau added. “The specialized court represents an important step forward by enhancing the excellent services that already exist and making them more accessible, coordinated, and responsive to the needs of those who need them most.”
