I'd like to call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting 122 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women.
I would like to remind all members of the following points. Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. All comments should be addressed through the chair. Please raise your hand if you wish to speak, whether participating in person or via Zoom.
Thank you in advance for your co‑operation.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, November 27, 2023, the committee is continuing with its study of coercive behaviour.
Before we welcome our witnesses, I'd like to provide a trigger warning. We will be discussing experiences related to violence and coercive control. This may be triggering to viewers with similar experiences. If you feel distressed or need help, please advise the clerk. For all witnesses and for all members of Parliament, it is important to recognize that these are very difficult decisions and discussions. Let's try to be as compassionate in our conversations as possible.
I would now like to welcome our witnesses.
For today's panel, we have three witnesses appearing as individuals via video conference. They have chosen to remain anonymous. They will be referred to as Witness 1, Witness 2, and Witness 3. I would kindly ask all members to refer to each witness as such.
We also have, by video conference from Ottawa Victim Services, Heidi Illingworth, executive director.
Witness 1, please begin. You have up to five minutes.
Thank you.