Thanks, Andrea.
Today, I want to talk about what we have heard from people impacted by coercive control.
I cannot emphasize enough that the way we talk about abuse today has a very personal impact on how survivors view themselves, how they understand and contextualize their experiences and the steps that they take to get support.
For many, coercive control is like an invisible cage. They feel its effects but have trouble defining it in their own lives. Too often at Sagesse, we get calls from survivors downplaying their own abuse, even though they've had the ability to make decisions in their own best interest stolen from them. They're not sure that they deserve or need our help.
I had a client once who shared a story with me of an ex randomly popping up, showing up, including when they were out and running. They never exchanged a word, but the client was terrified, even as they were told, or they told themselves, that it was a coincidence and they weren't in any danger.
This doubt and questioning often happens when survivors bravely face social stigma and shame to share their stories with their friends, family and colleagues. That's why any move to address coercive control must include these informal supporters, who are pivotal to eradicating violence.
Eighty per cent of people who experience abuse tell a friend or family member first. If they have a positive conversation in which their experiences of coercive control are taken seriously, they are more likely to seek out formal support and have positive outcomes.
One example of this comes to mind from an unlikely informal supporter. He worked as a banking associate. He provided a unique window into the personal lives of these customers, including those impacted by coercive control. Over a few months, he developed a friendly relationship with a customer who was a newcomer to Canada. One day, when the client came in to set up a bank account, they seemed to be particularly distracted, checking their phone every few minutes. When asked if everything was okay, the customer shared that things had been stressful at home and their partner was tracking their location throughout the day. Having had other clients disclose similar situations—particularly newcomers who didn't know where else to go for help—he was happy to direct them to Sagesse.
This is one of many examples of regular Canadians empowered to intervene because they understand coercive control and the terrible impact it has on individuals, families and communities.
To turn the tide on abuse, we must do more. This includes employing a coercive control lens in drafting legislation, helping every Canadian to recognize and talk about abuse, and increasing support for survivors and their supporters, who will be empowered to seek out help in far greater numbers.
Thank you for your time today and for your attention to this dangerous form of abuse.