The E.V.E. program was first started in 1988 by the Société Elizabeth Fry du Québec.  In concert with different workers in the judicial system, the police and the Conseil québecois du commerce de détail, this program was put in place in order to find concrete solutions to the problem of shoplifting, often considered to be a social plague.  The program is financed by les Services correctionnels du Québec and the City of Montreal.

Shoplifting and other economical infractions are the most frequent crimes committed by women (+30%).  There is no typical profile, but the majority of these women commit their crimes because they face personal difficulties at various steps in their lives.  Professional workers, assisted by well-trained volunteers, help these women identify the hidden causes of their shoplifting behaviour, the consequences and the means to control their behaviour.

Over the years, the program has increased its field of intervention and now offers a "counseling" service for women accused of economic crimes such as credit card fraud, writing N.S.F. cheques, changing price tags, theft of money or goods from work, purse stealing, pick pocketing, etc.

Since 1990, different tribunals in the regions of Montreal, Montérégie and the Basses-Laurentides have made agreements with the Société for the diffusion of the E.V.E. program.  For example, the Montreal Municipal Court who deals with a large annual volume of theft and fraud cases is a loyal supporter.  It refers targeted clientele to us and provides a room in which we can evaluate the client's admissibility to the program.  This court, which is (as are others) open to rehabilitation programs, is often very humane in its treatment of complaints and sentences without neglecting its mandate of the protection of society.