Legal Reform

BTPI Presents to Justice Canada on Criminalizing Coercive Control

BTPI Presents to Justice Canada on Criminalizing Coercive Control

Be the Peace Institute had the opportunity to present to Justice Canada, during virtual panels with academics, gender-based violence advocates, service providers, police, prosecutors and survivors to discuss the creation of a potential coercive control offence in the context of intimate relationships. We have also submitted a written brief on our position to Justice Canada.

Read on for our full submission…

BTPI AGM 2023

BTPI AGM 2023

Our 7th Annual General Meeting was held virtually May 10th, 2023 with 39 attendees. We shared updates on work to date and opportunities ahead. Special guests shared their reflections on the Mass Casualty Commission and Report as well as ideas for implementation of the MCC recommendations. To read more and access our full reports, click here.

BE THE PEACE INSTITUTE: Mass Shootings, Gender-Based Violence and Misogyny – Summary of Research

BE THE PEACE INSTITUTE: Mass Shootings, Gender-Based Violence and Misogyny – Summary of Research

As part of our participation in the Mass Casualty Commission’s public inquiry into the mass shootings in Portapique, Nova Scotia, BTPI did our own research to better understand and underscore these connections. The following is a summary analysis of the themes, patterns and repeated recommendations for the prevention of mass violence as it relates to gender-based violence and misogyny.

Mass Casualty Commission Offers Trove of Intelligence on GBV & Mass Shootings

Mass Casualty Commission Offers Trove of Intelligence on GBV & Mass Shootings

Part two of our reflections on the Mass Casualty Commission’s public inquiry into the shootings of April 2020 in NS: Sue Bookchin provides an outline of the key documents, research and diverse roundtables of experts from the field on the connections between gender based violence and mass casualty events. Key viewing and reading for policy makers, legal professionals, service providers and anyone interested in learning more for better prevention and support. Click title to read more…

Non-Disclosure Agreements Silence Victims

Non-Disclosure Agreements Silence Victims

The practice of using NDAs at all stages of the complaints process is unnecessary and immoral. Victims should not be permanently gagged from speaking about their experiences or be be forced to agree to protect their offender in exchange for their privacy. This practice only serves to put a further chill on reporting which we know is dramatically lower than other crimes.

Check out our letter advocating for an end to their use in cases of sexual assault and harassment cases and consider writing your own.

To learn more: #Can’tBuyMySilence

Keira's Law

Keira's Law

We recently wrote a letter advocating that Bill C-233, which includes Keira’s Law on domestic violence education for judges, be passed into law in the House of Commons. This private member’s bill would expand training for judges to include domestic violence and coercive control. Bill C-233, "Keira's Law," would help to ensure the best interests of the child are central to decision making around custody and access in cases of family law.

Check out our letter advocating for this important bill to be passed, or consider writing your own.

To learn more: #ForLittleKeira

COVID Underscores Needed Action on GBV

COVID Underscores Needed Action on GBV

The implications of the COVID 19 pandemic signal both tragedy and possibility. I would like to consider the amplification of the concurrent pandemic of violence against women and children during the COVID 19 pandemic as a renewed call to action.