BIM LAW

Not all abuse is physical.

Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour, often subtle, often normalized that limits a person’s autonomy, independence, and sense of self.

It can look like pressure disguised as care, control framed as protection, or silence and isolation without visible violence.

Many people remain in these situations not because they do not see it, but because of fear, conditioning, and expectation.

For a long time, the law struggled to address what could not easily be seen. That is changing.

While coercive control is not a standalone criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada, it is increasingly recognized as a form of family violence in civil law.

Patterns of controlling behaviour are considered under the Divorce Act and can have significant legal consequences, particularly in parenting and protection matters.

Although coercive control itself is not yet criminalized in Canada, many of the behaviours associated with it — including harassment, threats, and forcible confinement are offences under existing criminal law.

Internationally, jurisdictions such as England and Wales, Ireland, and Scotland have taken further steps. In England and Wales, coercive or controlling behaviour in an intimate or family relationship has been a criminal offence since 2015 under Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

This matters.

If your autonomy feels limited or your reality is constantly questioned -it matters. You do not have to navigate it alone.

At BIM LAW, we approach these situations with clarity, strategy, and care.

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B2G Law Group

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