Coercive control and Bill C-332
The conversation around domestic violence is changing – while physical violence is still a prominent issue in our sector, we are seeing a shift in discussions, and other forms of violence are now being given weight when we talk about addressing abuse in our community. Notably as of late, is Bill C-332, a bill that if passed will amend the Criminal Code of Canada to criminalize coercive control of an intimate partner.
For those unfamiliar, coercive control is a pattern of behavior used to regulate and dominate another person’s life. Coercive control can be identified through the tactics being used to establish and maintain this control. It can be the little things that make someone feel unsafe, such as their partner constantly calling or texting them to find out where they are and who they are with, or undermining relationships with family and friends, resulting in isolation. Often subtle, these tactics are very much a form of abuse and leave the person experiencing the abuse feeling trapped.
The need for the criminalization of coercive control
While current legislation surrounding abuse focusing on a singular incidence, like an assault, Bill C-332 aims to address patterns of manipulative and controlling behaviors. Driving this legislation is the knowledge that coercive control has become one of the leading predictors that we have for femicide. Criminalizing coercive control would mean that individuals committing this form of abuse could be arrested and charged, with the goal of stopping the current abuse and preventing the further escalation of violence.
Some concerns have however, been raised about the bill, its efficacy and enforceability. Some critics say that tactics being described coercive control already exist as other offences such as criminal harassment, trespassing or stalking. In response, many of those pushing this bill say that these individuals are not being charged with those crimes when accused, and that placing coercive control under the realm of domestic violence will increase the likelihood that these charges will be pursued.
Next steps for Bill C-332
If enacted in Canada, we will join England, Wales, Ireland and Scottland, where legislation is already in place on coercive and controlling behaviours as a form of domestic violence and abuse. When enacted in the U.K in 2015, calls for support around intimate partner violence increased by 31%, as those experiencing this abuse felt heard and were able to identify their situation with the criminal act.
As Canada moves throughout this process, many questions will continue to come up. How will this be enforced? How will these instances be proven? Is it enough? Only time will tell. The domestic violence sector remains ready and willing to provide support to those experiencing all forms of abuse and is eager to respond as legislation on coercive control evolves.
Learn more about recognizing the signs of abuse: The Signs of Abuse: Recognize, Respond and Refer