In a powerful plea to the House of Commons, MP Rachel Blaney shared the stories of hundreds of individuals who have experienced coercive control and urged the passing of Bill C-247.
During a virtual session of the House of Commons, Blaney, who represents the riding of North Island-Powell River, spoke about the prevalence of coercive control in Canada and the devastating impact it has on victims.
She highlighted the fact that coercive control is a form of domestic violence that involves a pattern of controlling and manipulative behaviors, such as isolation, intimidation, and financial control, used by abusers to maintain power and control over their victims.
Blaney emphasized that this type of abuse is not limited to physical violence and can have long-lasting effects on a person’s mental and emotional well-being.
To support her argument, Blaney shared the stories of individuals who have reached out to her to share their experiences of coercive control. These stories, she said, are a testament to the urgent need for action to be taken.
One story was of a woman who was forced to quit her job and move to a different city by her partner, who then controlled all aspects of her life, including her finances and social interactions. Another story was of a man who was constantly monitored and controlled by his partner, who would use his children as leverage to manipulate him.
Blaney also highlighted the fact that coercive control disproportionately affects women and marginalized communities, making it a gender-based issue that needs to be addressed.
She urged her fellow MPs to support Bill C-247, which seeks to amend the Criminal Code to include coercive control as a form of domestic violence. This, she argued, would provide better protection for victims and hold abusers accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, Blaney’s impassioned speech shed light on the urgent need for action to be taken to address coercive control in Canada. With the support of her fellow MPs, she hopes that Bill C-247 will be passed and bring justice to the victims of this insidious form of abuse.
