Members of Parliament in British Columbia have made a unanimous decision to criminalize coercive control, a form of behavior that can perpetuate domestic abuse. This legislation, introduced by Victoria MP Laurel Collins, aims to protect victims of intimate partner violence by prohibiting actions like trying to control a partner’s actions, finances, or other property. Collins emphasized that this behavior is meant to limit a victim’s freedom and choices, forming part of a larger pattern of abuse.
The bill successfully passed its third reading in the House of Commons and is now set to be debated and studied in the Senate before potentially becoming law. Collins hopes that the urgency of the bill is recognized by senators and that it is passed as soon as possible. The issue hits close to home for Collins, who was motivated to take action after witnessing coercive control in her own family, where her sister’s partner attempted to control various aspects of her life.
Coercive control, sometimes described as the silent partner of domestic violence, instills fear and helplessness in victims. This behavior often starts with controlling finances, transportation, monitoring movements, and even dictating what a person can wear or eat. It is a common precursor to femicide, with a woman being killed in Canada every six days due to intimate partner violence.
Law professor Janine Benedet from the University of British Columbia commended the bill but expressed concerns about its narrow scope, primarily focusing on intimate partners. She highlighted that coercive control can also be exerted by caregivers of disabled individuals or fathers of adolescent daughters, situations that can lead to physical and sexual abuse. Benedet emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing abuse in various contexts.
This is not the first time such legislation has been introduced, as the federal NDP previously brought forward similar bills. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police has advocated for the government to create new offenses targeting coercive control. Statistics from 2018 show that 44% of women in relationships reported experiencing abuse from a partner, underscoring the prevalence of this issue.
Canada already has provisions under the Divorce Act to address family violence, including coercive and controlling behavior. The final report from the Mass Casualty Commission following the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting recommended taking action against coercive control. Experts revealed that the shooter had subjected his spouse to controlling and intimidating tactics for years before the tragic incident occurred.
In conclusion, the unanimous decision to criminalize coercive control is a significant step towards protecting victims of intimate partner violence. However, there is a need to broaden the scope of the legislation to encompass abuse in various contexts beyond intimate relationships. By raising awareness and taking concrete legal measures, the government aims to prevent further instances of coercive control and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.