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Coercive control law will help survivors, but comes with risk of backlash, MPs told
Shelter advocates say the measure could help survivors report abuse earlier, while warning police and prosecutors need training to prevent misuse.
- On Monday, women's groups appeared before the House of Commons justice committee to discuss Bill C-16, which would criminalize patterns of coercive control in intimate relationships.
- Justice Sean Fraser introduced the Protecting Victims Act on Dec. 9, 2025, to reform the Criminal Code and address abusive behavior used to dominate intimate partners.
- Crystal Giesbrecht, director at Saskatchewan shelters, stated criminalization helps survivors report conduct to police. Louise Riendeau of the Regroupement added that survivors are often told, "there's nothing we can do here" regarding non-physical abuse.
- Suzanne Zaccour, director of legal affairs at the National Association of Women and the Law, warned the law could backfire through cross-complaints against victims. Karine Barrette emphasized adequate police and prosecutor training is essential to prevent this outcome.
- MPs continue studying the bill, introduced last year, which would outlaw patterns of controlling conduct. Advocates stress that successful implementation depends on ensuring police and prosecutors properly recognize and respond to non-physical forms of abuse.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Sask Today
Coercive control law will help survivors, but comes with risk of backlash, MPs told
OTTAWA — Groups representing women’s shelters are praising the government’s move to criminalize coercive control, but some women’s organizations are also warning there is a risk of backlash.
The Toronto Star
Coercive control law to help survivors, but comes with risk of backlash, MPs told
Bill C-16, which was introduced last year, would outlaw engaging in patterns of coercive or controlling conduct against an intimate partner.
Ottawa, April 13, 2026 – The Regroupement des maisons pour femmes victimes de violence conjugale presents today its brief to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in the context of the study of Bill C-16, which offers a new way of analyzing and sanctioning offences between intimate partners. Legislative recognition of coercive control as a criminal offence marks a decisive turning point in the fight against domestic violence and the…
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