Thank you, Madam Chair.
I thank the witnesses for being with us today.
Mr. Roebuck, as federal ombudsperson for victims of crime, you must hear from victims every day telling you about the vagaries and the virtues of our criminal justice system.
This morning, we heard some people say that Bill C‑332 is a bit dangerous, first due to counter-complaints. Essentially, they worry about victims being treated as abusers for wanting to protect their children, for instance.
Is that indeed a problem? Could victims be penalized because of the definitions that appear in this bill or because of the way the bill is designed?
Furthermore, you made a number of interesting recommendations in your opening statement. Specifically, you suggest using the definition of intimate partner under section 2 of the Criminal Code and removing the two-year time limit after separation.
We've heard those suggestions before, but if at all possible, I'd love to get a copy of your statement or your brief. I'd really appreciate that. I don't know if you have a brief ready to go, if we just haven't gotten it yet or if it's only me who hasn't gotten it.
That said, I'd like to return to my previous question. Is it possible for victims attempting to defend themselves to be seen as having controlling or coercive behaviours?