2025-02 Criminalization of Coercive Control in Intimate Partner Relationships

Intimate partner violence remains a significant societal issue in Canada, with one woman being violently killed by an intimate partner every six days. Coercive control—manifested through manipulation, isolation, threats, and financial domination—is a precursor to physical violence in 95% of partner abuse cases and leaves many victims vulnerable and unsupported within the justice system. While former Bill C-332 proposed amendments to the Criminal Code to criminalize coercive control, Canada currently lacks explicit legal measures to address this form of abuse. This gap contrasts with international best practices, such as those implemented in the United Kingdom, and leaves victims without sufficient legal protection.

Gender-based violence is recognized as a national crisis, with rates of such violence rising since the COVID-19 pandemic. Implementing coercive control legislation would save lives by providing legal protection against psychological and emotional abuse, enabling earlier intervention, and helping to prevent the escalation of harmful behaviours that may lead to physical violence or death. Criminalizing coercive control is therefore a critical step toward ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of survivors across Canada.