Members of the Canadian Parliament are urging for the criminalization of coercive control to address intimate partner violence effectively. The House committee on the status of women issued a report with 16 recommendations, highlighting the importance of continuing efforts to criminalize coercive control. Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu, chair of the committee, emphasized the need for this criminalization during a recent news conference, stating that there is bipartisan support for this initiative.
The Supreme Court of Canada has acknowledged coercive and controlling behavior as a form of family violence. Several countries, such as England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Australia, have already criminalized coercive behavior. Although a private member’s bill aimed at criminalizing coercive control was previously adopted in the House and considered in the Senate, it did not progress further due to Parliament dissolution.
The recent report emphasized that criminalizing coercive control should be accompanied by training for law enforcement and the justice system, public education, and enhanced support services for victims. It was noted that effective implementation of such a law requires adequate training and awareness among law enforcement and judicial personnel.
While witnesses supported the criminalization of coercive control, challenges were recognized, including the difficulty in securing convictions due to the nature of this behavior pattern. Coercive control involves a series of acts over time, making it complex to identify and seek assistance through the legal system. The committee acknowledged that criminalization alone would not immediately eradicate domestic abuse and opted not to define coercive control by listing specific behaviors to allow for flexibility in addressing evolving tactics.
In case of immediate danger or concerns regarding family or intimate partner violence, individuals are encouraged to call 911 or seek help through crisis lines and local support services.