Coercive control law to 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.

Bill C-16, which was introduced last year, would outlaw engaging in patterns of coercive or controlling conduct against an intimate partner.

Crystal Giesbrecht, director of research at a group representing shelters in Saskatchewan, says criminalization would make it easier for survivors to report conduct to police and obtain protection.

A group of Quebec women’s shelters says it would provide a new tool to address domestic violence and send a clear message that such behaviour is unacceptable, but stressed there must be adequate training for police officers and prosecutors.