06/19/2026
A meaningful step forward.
Bill C-16 has received Royal Assent, recognizing coercive control as a serious form of harm in Canada.
For many people, abuse isn't only physical. It can also involve patterns of behaviour that create fear, limit freedom, and take away a person's sense of autonomy.
Coercive control can look like:
• Feeling afraid much of the time
• Losing control over your own decisions
• Changing your behaviour to stay safe
• Feeling like you're constantly "walking on eggshells"
• Being isolated, monitored, or controlled in ways others may not see
At Sagesse, this reflects what many people have shared with us for years, and what advocates, organizations, and communities have worked hard to make visible.
Recognition matters. Awareness matters. Support matters.
If this feels familiar, you are not alone.
If you're supporting someone, your care matters.
This is an important step, and the work of building safer relationships and communities continues.
We're here.
