大象传媒

We are thrilled to announce that Bailey Cooper has successfully defended her MA thesis titled "Navigating Coercive Control: Exploration Among Agencies Supporting Victims-Survivors of Intimate Partner Abuse." 

Abstract

Coercive control is a pervasive yet underrecognized form of intimate partner abuse (IPA) that extends beyond physical violence to include psychological, financial, and legal abuse. Despite its severe impact on victims-survivors, coercive control remains inadequately addressed in Canadian support systems. This study examines how IPA support workers understand, navigate, and respond to coercive control, as well as their views on the potential criminalization of coercive control in Canada, following examples from England, Scotland, and other countries. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 support workers across police-based and community-based victim services, transition houses, and legal aid organizations in British Columbia. Thematic analysis identified key systemic gaps, including insufficient training, inconsistent legal recognition, and barriers to effective intervention. Findings highlight the challenges support workers face in identifying coercive control, engaging with law enforcement, and securing necessary resources for victims-survivors. The study underscores the need for enhanced training, policy reform, and expanded resources to improve victim-survivor support. These findings contribute to ongoing discussions on coercive control criminalization and the broader systemic response to IPA in Canada.

Congratulations, Bailey!