History...
In 2002, in response to a deplorable shortage and sometimes total lack of specialized services for young child victims of sexual abuse, the Marie-Vincent Foundation hired the services of Lucie Joyal as development consultant to carry out a feasibility study on establishing a centre to aid child victims of sexual abuse and their families.
In 2003, the feasibility study results and a business plan were submitted to the Marie-Vincent Foundation's Board of Directors by Ms. Joyal. The final proposal led to the creation of the first Quebec centre whose specific objective was to offer young sexual abuse victims leading medical, psychosocial, police and judiciary services under a single roof.
On May 30, 2005, during a press conference attended by Quebec Justice Minister Yvon Marcoux, the Marie-Vincent Foundation announced creation of the Centre d'expertise en agression sexuelle and an Interuniversity Chair directly connected to the Centre. Appointment of Lucie Joyal as executive director of the Centre was announced during the conference.
The Marie-Vincent Foundation has since carried out a large campaign to ensure financing of the Centre's activities. In addition to pursuing prevention programs, the Foundation devotes to the Centre d'expertise funds raised directly for it, as well as monies from annual fundraising campaigns and other important resources, to ensure the Centre's establishment and durability.
Establishment efforts over a period of nine months allowed clientele accessibility to direct services progressively. The first services were offered to children on April 8, 2006.
