Stronger Legal Protections for Victims

Canada has introduced stronger legal protections for victims of gender-based and intimate partner violence, with new laws making femicide first-degree murder and expanding safeguards for survivors across the country.

“The passage of Bill C-16 is a historic moment,” said Nneka MacGregor, Executive Director of WomenatthecentrE. “Naming femicide in law, criminalizing coercive and controlling behaviour, and centring victim/survivor rights… reflects a significant shift in understanding.”

The Protecting Victims Act introduces a new offence of coercive control in intimate relationships, criminalises threats to distribute intimate images, including AI-generated sexual deepfakes, and strengthens victims’ rights throughout the justice process. The reforms also improve access to court supports, provide clearer guidance on managing trial delays, and increase penalties for several sexual offences. Together with two other recently enacted Criminal Code reforms, the legislation marks one of the most significant updates to the country’s criminal justice system in decades, aiming to improve safety, accountability and support for victims.