This document discusses coercive control as a form of family violence recognized by the federal Divorce Act and provincial family laws. Coercive control includes a range of abusive behaviors aimed at maintaining power over an intimate partner or children, such as intimidation, isolation, emotional and economic abuse, stalking, and monitoring. The impact of coercive control is significant, affecting the victim’s independence, self-esteem, and safety, and often continues after separation through tactics like litigation abuse and manipulation of children. The document emphasizes the importance of recognizing coercive control in family court cases, its implications for parenting arrangements, and the need for well-structured decision-making and safety plans to protect victims and their children
