Quebec Week for Disabled Persons - STL to provide accessible transportation to disabled women fleeing domestic violence Français
MONTREAL, May 31, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - To mark Quebec Week for Disabled Persons, the Association Lavalloise du Transport Adapté (ALTA) and Société de transport de Laval (STL) are proud to announce a new initiative making it possible for disabled women who are victims of domestic violence to use accessible transit services free of charge, with no registration required. The arrangement, which comes into effect today, is a first in Quebec.
The project began in spring 2019 with the creation of a task force made up of women working for the following organizations: Table de concertation de Laval en condition féminine (TCLCF), Société de Transport de Laval (STL), Regroupement des Organismes pour la Promotion des Personnes Handicapées de Laval (ROPPHL), Lina's Home, Maison le Prélude, Maison l'Esther, and the Association Lavalloise pour le Transport Adapté (ALTA). Evidence shows that 39% of women with functional limitations are likely to experience spousal violence, but they are underrepresented in shelters.1
"Domestic violence against disabled women is a serious issue, and given that transportation to shelters has been identified as a barrier, I am very proud that the STL is part of the solution. The initiative provides women and children fleeing domestic violence with an option that is free of charge, quick and easy to use," says Éric Morasse, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Société de transport de Laval.
"We are proud to work with the City of Laval and support the project as part of the sectoral development agreement to promote gender equality in the region. The Secrétariat à la condition féminine has provided close to $100,000 in funding over two years to ensure the successful implementation of the project. This is a meaningful initiative developed jointly with a number of regional partners. The new project will enable women with disabilities to get out faster of abusive relationships and find their way to a shelter. Removing barriers for women who need to go seek help is a step in the right direction," says Isabelle Charest, Minister for Education and Minister responsible for the Status of Women.
"The new approach is a community-driven solution to the pressing issue of domestic violence against women with disabilities. The City of Laval is pleased to be the launchpad for this initiative, which is the first of its kind in the province. Quebec's disability awareness week is the perfect opportunity to spread awareness of the many barriers to inclusion and of the serious challenges disabled people are facing in their daily lives, even when they find themselves in abusive situations," says Stéphane Boyer, Deputy Mayor.
The service is easy to use. Women can call any of the three shelters in Laval and the shelter then contacts the STL to book a ride without disclosing the victim's name. Rides can be booked for the same day with a minimum of two hours' notice. The drivers, who have experience working with people with functional limitations, are sensitive to the issue of domestic violence and will respect the women's privacy.
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1 Cotter, A. Violent victimization of women with disabilities, 2014, Statistics Canada, 2018. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2018001/article/54910-eng.htm |
An awareness campaign led by ALTA
In addition to the initiative, ALTA is distributing awareness materials to better support at-risk women with functional limitations who are fleeing abusive relationships. "It is critical that we address the issue of domestic violence against disabled women. We want to circulate the awareness campaign logo and posters to give a voice to women with disabilities. More information and details will soon be available on the project website. We are proud to continue working on this initiative and other projects over the coming months", says Mara Audet-Leblanc, Chief Executive Officer of ALTA. The website can be accessed at www.fshlaval.ca as of June 15.
About the Société de transport de Laval
Boasting a team of 1,100 dedicated employees, the STL develops and operates an integrated network of buses, school service buses, shared taxis and paratransit services that averages over 19 million trips per year.
The STL's regular bus service operates 47 routes with close to 2,700 stops across more than 1,500 km in the Laval area. The STL is one of North America's most innovative public transit authorities. www.stlaval.ca.
About the Association Lavalloise du Transport Adapté
Founded in 1987, the Association Lavalloise pour le Transport Adapté (ALTA) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights and interests of paratransit users by advocating with interested or responsible agencies and raising the public's awareness through lobbying, negotiations, pressure or any other means considered to be appropriate by the Corporation. The work of ALTA also includes bringing Laval paratransit users together and informing them of their rights and responsibilities. https://altalaval-ass.org/
SOURCE Société de transport de Laval
Sources: Marilie Beaulieu-Gravel, Advisor, Communications and Public Affairs, Société de transport de Laval, 514-691-1701, [email protected]; Alexandre Banville, Office of the Mayor, Director of Communications, 514-772-2984, [email protected]
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