Donald
Teuma-Castelletti
FORT COULONGE Dec. 3, 2017
Around 40 people joined together, in the eighth annual march of support for victims of domestic violence on Sunday afternoon.
Starting off at the Knights of Columbus hall in Fort Coulonge, the collaborative effort between the Knights and L’EntourElle, a support home for women, took participants in a three-kilometre-long trek, looking to show locals that there is a support network in place for them.
“This walk creates awareness,” said Marc Boisvert, an organizer and member of the Knights of Columbus. “If people see this march, they’ll know they’re not alone.”

People of all ages joined the march, as the group took rue Baume up to rue Herault, where they crossed to rue Fortin, taking that down to rue Principale. From there, the group returned to the hall, where a vigil was held.
A moment of silence was observed by the group, in recognition of all those surviving domestic violence and those who’ve been lost as a victim of it.
“It’s a show of respect for those who are surviving abuse and the young woman who died,” said Boisvert.
Boisvert said that this walk was started 10 years ago by a different group, when a young woman in the area lost her life to an act of domestic violence. However, the next year another walk wasn’t organized. So, in 2010, he decided to step up and arrange for one, with L’EntourElle, himself.
“It’s not only the women who get abused, but the children, too,” he said, explaining that the young woman had left behind a son and daughter.
Since it’s inception, Boisvert and L’EntourElle have received thanks and recognition from the municipality, which he hopes will encourage those suffering to speak up and seek help.
“This is the worst part of the year for domestic violence,” said Boisvert. “There’s lots of friction – a lot of people lose their jobs and become tight on money.”