Pontiac has two neutral meeting areas to secure custody exchanges

Pontiac has two neutral meeting areas to secure custody exchanges

Two new neutral meeting areas will be established in Campbell’s Bay and Shawville to promote the safety of families during custody exchanges in a separation context.

The announcement was made by L’EntourElle’s clinical coordinator, Ashley Nadeau. The two facilities will be located in the parking lot of the Pontiac MRC, at Campbell’s Bay, and in that of the Marc Aufranc pharmacy, in Shawville.

The objective is to reduce the risk of conflict and violence during exchanges between separated parents, a period that can be particularly sensitive, especially in situations of domestic violence.

The zones will allow parents to conduct custody exchanges and hand over personal effects in a neutral location. Spaces will be clearly identified, well lit and equipped with visual and audio monitoring systems.

The project is made possible through the collaboration of several local partners. WEPC will supply and install the monitoring equipment at Campbell’s Bay. In Shawville, the fair committee will fund the surveillance system while pharmacist Marc Aufranc will provide parking and painting costs. The Pontiac MRC will also make parking available at Campbell’s Bay.

Parents will need to agree in advance on the time and date of exchanges. These facilities will not replace court orders, which must be complied with at all times.

The official inauguration of the two zones is part of the 12 days of action to counter violence against women, in order to highlight the importance of prevention and community mobilization.

This initiative aims to offer families in the Pontiac a concrete solution to make exchanges safer and contribute to the well-being of children.