As Canada gears up for the upcoming federal election, it’s crucial to spotlight policies that can drive meaningful change. One of the most pressing issues facing our nation is the pervasive problem of domestic abuse and sexual exploitation. Sagesse has compiled five policy recommendations that aim to enhance public health and safety, improve legal frameworks and provide comprehensive support to survivors.
These recommendations are not just policy proposals – they are a call to action for a safer, healthier Canada. As voters, it’s our responsibility to support leaders who prioritize these critical issues and work towards a future free from abuse and exploitation.
Please consider writing to the candidates running in your riding to advocate for these important policy considerations. Click here to lookup your candidates and voting information.
Recommendation 1: Domestic abuse is a public crisis and the response to it should be centred in the Public Health and Public Safety portfolios.
Domestic abuse is not just a private matter – it’s a public crisis that demands coordinated efforts from the Public Health and Public Safety portfolios. Research shows that domestic abuse is linked to broader community violence, with 45% of intimate partner violence offenders having pre-existing records for other crimes. Survivors often face chronic health issues and mental health challenges, including PTSD and depression. By addressing domestic abuse through a public health and safety lens, we can combat the notion that abuse is solely a women’s issue and ensure a more effective response.
Recommendation 2: Invest in an innovative and data-driven response to violence aligned with how people seek help.
Statistics reveal that 66% of survivors access support from friends and family, while only 37% use formal services. Increasing funding for proven community-based initiatives and informal support systems can align with how individuals seek help. Utilizing sophisticated data collection methods will help us better understand and address abuse, ensuring that informal support networks, which are crucial for many survivors, are not overlooked.
Recommendation 3: Amend Canada’s criminal code to include a broad coercive control offense.
Non-physical forms of abuse, such as coercive control, can have longer-lasting impacts than physical violence. Introducing a broad coercive control offense will protect survivors from these insidious forms of abuse. Extensive training for police, prosecutors and judges is essential to effectively apply the new law, as evidenced by the UK’s success, where force-wide training led to a 41% increase in arrests for coercive control.
Recommendation 4: Formulate a National Sexual Exploitation Action Plan
Sexual exploitation often involves coercive control, with 34% of trafficking victims in Canada being trafficked by an intimate partner. A national plan should include prevention, prosecution and protection measures. Advocating for the decriminalization of sex work and providing long-term support services for survivors can lead to better safety and mental health outcomes, as seen in New Zealand.
Recommendation 5: Support a unified family court in all provinces in order to provide improved access to justice and enhanced support for survivors.
Unified family courts can streamline legal processes and provide specialized handling of family law cases, reducing confusion and delays. Where a unified court is not immediately possible, implementing a family division of the Court of King’s Bench, as done in Manitoba since 1984, can be an effective interim solution.