From community-based residential care to the offices of La Traversée, Mélina Siwic has dedicated her criminology expertise to supporting people affected by sexual violence. Today, as a psychosocial worker and Assistant Director of Clinical Services at La Traversée, she draws on her understanding of social and judicial systems to support victims and their loved ones across the Montérégie region.
From Criminology to La Traversée
Holding dual bachelor’s degrees in criminology and psychology from the University of Montreal, Mélina Siwic focused much of her academic work on sexual offending and later joined the Ordre professionnel des criminologues du Québec. She began her career working in community-based residential facilities, supporting individuals involved in the justice system as they navigated social reintegration and the conditions of their release
Over time, she felt called to put her expertise to work for those living with the impacts of sexual violence.
“I wanted to contribute to the well-being of the people who experience these realities every day,” says Mélina.
Supporting People on Many Fronts
Mélina wears many hats at La Traversée. As a psychosocial worker, she supports victims and their loved ones in navigating immediate and ongoing challenges.
“A large part of our work focuses on how these experiences affect each person’s daily life, especially anxiety and emotional regulation,” she explains.
Her background in criminology and her understanding of police investigations, the judicial system and correctional environments also allow her to answer many questions people may have about these processes.
Despite the weight of the situations she encounters, Mélina says she is continually inspired by the resilience of the people she supports.
“From one meeting to the next, people begin to reconnect with their own inner strength and rediscover small moments of joy, without allowing what happened to define them,” she says.
As Assistant Director of Clinical Services, Mélina also contributes to the coordination of La Traversée’s activities. She helps facilitate access to services, supports the clinical team and takes part in various research initiatives.
Working Together
Working at La Traversée and within the CIViS integrated sexual violence services model gives Mélina the opportunity to collaborate closely with partners from many different sectors. She works alongside colleagues from the Montérégie Crime Victims Assistance Centre (CAVAC), healthcare professionals, community organizations and institutional partners.
Mélina also maintains a strong connection with the detectives of the Longueuil agglomeration police service (SPAL), whose work reminds her of her early professional experiences.
“Even if I’m not directly involved in investigations, being able to follow the broader process still speaks to the criminologist in me,” she explains.
Running for the Cause
It was also as part of a team made up primarily of SPAL police officers that Mélina participated in the Bromont Ultra for the first time in 2025. This large-scale fundraising endurance event brings together thousands of athletes each year to support various causes, including the fight against sexual violence.
“It’s through this kind of fundraising that we’re able to offer free psychotherapy and psychosocial support services — especially at a time when the demand continues to grow,” says Mélina.
She is currently training for the next edition alongside Nya, a Siberian husky she adopted three years ago. Evening walks and long hikes in the forest with her companion — affectionately described as an “unstoppable machine” — also help her stay grounded and maintain balance in her life.
Donate, Get Involved… and Most of All, Talk About It
Mélina is deeply grateful to everyone who supports La Traversée through donations or volunteer involvement. She believes that simply talking openly about sexual violence — a subject that remains too often silenced — can encourage victims to seek the help they need.
“Almost all of us know someone who has experienced sexual violence,” Mélina reminds us. “Be proud to show that this cause matters to you, and remember that it’s never too late to break the silence.”
Learn more
Breaking Down the Walls
Produced by Savoir média, the documentary Breaking Down the Walls explores the realities of sexual violence, the barriers faced by victims and the integrated approach developed through CIViS. Available online free of charge and viewed more than one million times since its release, the documentary answers many common questions and helps shed light on the complex realities surrounding sexual violence.
The documentary is available with English subtitles.
Watch the full documentary on Savoir média
Interested in discovering more members of the La Traversée team?
Also read our feature on Annie Farmer, psychosocial worker at La Traversée.