Bill C-332 aims to amend the Criminal Code to address coercive control within intimate partner relationships. The bill introduces a new offense, 264.01, which criminalizes a pattern of controlling behavior that causes an intimate partner to fear for their safety. This includes physical violence, sexual coercion, and other controlling actions like monitoring, controlling finances, or restricting access to communication. The bill outlines specific examples of actions that could constitute coercive control, emphasizing the psychological impact on the victim.
Furthermore, Bill C-332 includes amendments to other acts, such as the Excise Tax Act, the National Defence Act, the Income Tax Act, the Firearms Act, and the Excise Act, 2001, to ensure consistency and application of the new offense across various legal contexts. It also includes a coordinating amendment related to firearms legislation. The bill also modifies procedures within the legal system to protect victims of these offenses, such as preventing the accused from directly cross-examining the victim in court, unless deemed necessary for justice, and makes changes related to bail conditions for those accused of coercive control. The bill's provisions will come into effect on a date determined by the Governor in Council.
Crime
This bill amends the Criminal Code to create a new offense related to coercive control of an intimate partner. It defines coercive control as a pattern of behavior intended to make an intimate partner fear for their safety, including violence, sexual coercion, and controlling actions. The bill also modifies court procedures to protect victims, such as restricting the accused from directly cross-examining the victim in certain cases. It also affects bail condition considerations.
Gun Control
The bill amends the Firearms Act by adding the new offense of coercive control of an intimate partner to the list of offenses that can affect a person's eligibility to possess firearms.