The assistance centre for victims of crime in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region: 20 years on!

The assistance centre for victims of crime (CAVAC) in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary on September 24.

The event provided an opportunity to review everything achieved since 1989. Over the last 20 years, the CAVAC has provided services to over 46 000 people throughout the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean/Chibougamau region. A slide show ( 12.3 Mb - in French) recalling some of the historical turning points in the organization’s development was presented during the evening.

Several key partners from the social and judicial communities were present at the evening event.

Mtre Céline Claveau, director of the courthouses in Alma, Roberval and Chibougamau, Mtre Sonia Rouleau, criminal and penal prosecuting attorney in Chicoutimi, and Rémy Meunier, a Sûreté du Québec police officer in Alma, kindly agreed to say a few words to the assembled guests.

Their speeches, full of appreciation for the work of the CAVAC team members, were well received. These partners confirmed the high level of cooperation that exists between their organizations and the CAVAC, and its beneficial effects for victims, their families, and witnesses. They highlighted the quality of the services provided at all locations within the region.

Sylvie Côté, chair of the board of directors and Marthe Vaillancourt, founding director of the CAVAC, also spoke during the event, focusing among other things on the key contribution made by Nathalie Lamy, who has worked for the organization since 1989 as an intern, case worker and, since 1999, director.

The event also provided an opportunity for the director, Nathalie Lamy, to talk about the commitment and professional attitude of the CAVAC team, which continues to gain experience. Several staff members have been working at the CAVAC for over five years.

A special surprise had been prepared for the evening entertainment: a song, Quand t’as le CAVAC tatoué sur le cœur, composed by two case workers, Marie-Hélène Lavoie and Mélodie Girard, which was sung for the guests by the staff team.

This inspiring evening, based on the qualities of friendliness, partnership and recognition, will stay in our memories for a long time!

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Photos of the event
Slide show on the history of the CAVAC ( 12.3 Mb - in French)
Words to the song (in French)