The Quebec government unveiled a five-year, $200 million strategy to prevent and counter sexual violence Friday.
READ MORE: Quebec MNA Gerry Sklavounos takes sick leave amid sexual assault allegations
Groups fighting sexual assault have been calling for better measures for years.
Wednesday night, a group called Stop Rape Culture rallied thousands in Montreal and across the province to denounce violence against women and to call on the government to pay attention.
READ MORE: 12 new charges laid in alleged break-ins and sex assaults at Laval University
This comes on the heels of a number of incidents of sexual violence in the province, including former Liberal MNA Gerry Sklavounos leaving caucus amid allegations of sexual assault.
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READ MORE: Quebecers rally to show solidarity for sexual assault victims
There has also been an increase in security at Laval University after reports of break-ins at one of the school’s residences.
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The $200 million budget will be split:
- $156 million will go to continuing existing measures.
- $44 million will be invested towards 55 new measures and programs.
READ MORE: Laval University student alleges Liberal MNA sexually assaulted her
Some of the new measures include an increase in assistance for sexual assault victims, training for prosecutors and police, and introducing sexual education programs in schools.
In addition, a police unit will be put in place that specializes in sexual crimes and video-conferencing tools will be installed to help victims keep contact with authorities.
The government said it also plans on starting awareness campaigns in colleges and universities.
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