Coercive control is a high-risk form of family violence. Although this kind of abuse is associated with high rates of intimate partner homicide, there is widespread misunderstanding (and misinformation) in criminal justice systems and in non-profit organizations that support survivors, about what coercive control is and which interventions are appropriate and safe for victims.

In Fall 2023, Ardath provided expert consultation on behalf of a coalition of researchers, survivors and anti-violence organizations to Justice Canada in response to a private member’s bill calling for new (and tougher) laws to combat this kind of abuse. Our coalition drafted an open letter opposing this new bill and advocating, instead, for a transformative public health approach to high-risk family violence. You can read our letter here.