The theme of the4th Plaidoyer-Victimes conference was Victims of crime: acting with respect for the individual. The event coincided with the Association’s 20th anniversary. Some 375 speakers, researchers, professionals, students and victims gathered to take part in some thirty workshops, training sessions and conferences. Coming from all regions of Quebec, France and Belgium, they took advantage of the opportunity to share and perfect their knowledge and expertise in victimology. The diversity of the intervention environments represented (public safety, justice, health care, correctional services, associations and communities, teaching) enabled participants to broaden their horizons and become more open to the realities of other fields of practice.
To give concrete expression once again to its commitment to victims of crime, Plaidoyer-Victimes organized an activity with victims’ loved ones Quand la violence frappe l’un des nôtres… Les proches prennent la parole (When violence strikes one of our own… Loved ones speak up), during which six close relatives of homicide victims were invited to talk about their experiences: the difficulties encountered, but also the positive and constructive support received from various aid resources and from society in general. This awareness-raising activity stimulated broader reflection on the notion of respect, encompassing not only victims of crime, but also their loved ones.