By Canadian Press

NDP bill to criminalize coercive control in intimate partner violence heads to Senate

Jun 12, 2024 | 3:01 PM

OTTAWA — An NDP private member’s bill that would criminalize a pattern of abuse known as coercive control is heading to the Senate.

The legislation from Victoria MP Laurel Collins passed third reading unanimously in the House of Commons today.

The bill would amend the Criminal Code to criminalize coercive control, which experts say abusers often use to isolate and instil fear into victims of intimate partner violence.

It defines coercive control as behaviour that includes threatening to use violence against a partner or their child or pet, as well as trying to control their finances and movement.

When introducing the bill last fall, Collins shared some of her sister’s story, saying her partner had taken away her bank cards and keys to try and stop her from leaving.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

9h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Since then the MP says she’s heard from hundreds of others who have shared their own experience with coercive control or that of someone they love.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2024.

The Canadian Press