Thank you for your question, but Ms. Levman is the expert on everything having to do with the Criminal Code. I will say, however, that the pandemic has certainly brought to light many of the violence-related challenges victims face because of the lockdown.
We work closely with the Federal Provincial Territorial Working Group on Victims of Crime and all the directors of victim services around the country. Provinces and territories are making considerable efforts to overcome some of the pre-existing challenges that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. They have set up text-based services so victims can reach out for help in the middle of the night while the abuser in the home is sleeping.
Of course, more can always be done, but the stakeholders certainly have an awareness and a broader understanding of the unique circumstances the situation has created. A lot of people are working hard to find practical and effective ways of helping victims during the pandemic.