Members of the Parliament are pushing for Canada to make coercive control a criminal offense to address intimate partner violence. The House committee on the status of women issued 16 recommendations, urging the government to support the criminalization of coercive control. Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu, the committee chair, emphasized the importance of this action at a recent news conference, highlighting cross-party backing for the initiative.
Notably, the Supreme Court of Canada has acknowledged coercive and controlling behavior as a form of family violence. Countries like England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Australia have already implemented laws criminalizing coercive behavior. Although a previous bill to criminalize coercive control was endorsed in the House and considered in the Senate, it lapsed with the dissolution of Parliament.
The committee’s report emphasized that criminalizing coercive control must be accompanied by comprehensive measures. These include training for law enforcement and the justice system, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced support services for victims. Gladu stressed the importance of ensuring that authorities are equipped to effectively implement the law.
While witnesses advocated for criminalization, the committee acknowledged the complexities associated with prosecuting coercive control due to its gradual and repetitive nature. It was noted that criminalization alone would not instantly eradicate domestic abuse. Unlike other countries that have enumerated specific behaviors to define coercive control, the Canadian committee opted against a detailed list, citing the evolving nature of such behaviors.
If you are in immediate danger or experiencing family violence, please call 911 or seek assistance from crisis lines and local support services.