Yes, we agree. That's why, in our recommendations, we ask that judges be better selected when they have to render judgments. I've been a lawyer for 35 years, but I practised family law for 32 years and, just three years ago, I didn't know what coercive control was. I don't mind saying so.
Unfortunately, not all judges currently sitting on the criminal division of the Superior Court and the Court of Quebec know what coercive control is. They need to be educated, and it is not enough to make training available to them. That training needs to be mandatory so that they can assess the risks to victims' safety. That's what's going to change things. Strangulation is one risk factor among others. A number of risk factors have been mentioned today.
Indeed, it would be a major step forward if victims could be represented by a lawyer in the criminal and penal division of the Court of Quebec or elsewhere in Canada. As you said, that lawyer could come and explain concepts that may be less well known.
Domestic violence is an extremely complex issue. There are a number of factors to consider, and each case is unique. If that could become a reality in Canada, it would be really beneficial.