TORONTO, June 22, 2026 – The federal Protecting Victims Act received Royal Assent on June 18, with most Criminal Code amendments taking effect on July 18. The changes include creating a new offence for ongoing coercive control in intimate relationships, strengthening penalties for threatening to distribute intimate images, and treating certain legally defined killings of women as first-degree murder. People experiencing long-term surveillance, isolation, threats or financial control, along with family members helping them report abuse, should be aware that the law expands the scope of criminal enforcement. However, not every dispute between partners will automatically constitute a criminal offence.
Coercive control is generally not a single argument, but an ongoing pattern of threats, isolation and manipulation. It may involve restricting a person’s contact with family and friends, controlling finances and communications, continually monitoring their movements, or threatening harm or the release of private material. Whether conduct meets the criminal threshold will still be determined by police and prosecutors based on the duration of the behaviour, its impact and the available evidence.
The new law also makes it an offence to threaten to distribute intimate images without consent, including artificial intelligence-generated fake sexual images. It also increases the maximum penalties for certain offences involving sexual assault, voyeurism and the non-consensual distribution of intimate images. Victims will also receive stronger rights to case information and to use testimonial aids during court proceedings.
These changes do not mean that every incident occurring before the new law takes effect will automatically be handled under the new offences. They also do not mean that charges will necessarily be laid after a report is made. Police, prosecutors and courts in each jurisdiction will still need to consider when the conduct occurred, the overall pattern of behaviour and the available evidence.
When it is safe to do so, affected individuals can preserve threatening text messages, emails, voice messages, records of financial restrictions and police report numbers, and organize incidents by date. They should not confront the other person in an attempt to obtain evidence or take actions that could increase their danger. Anyone facing immediate danger should call 911. In non-emergency situations, individuals can contact police, a lawyer or victim services to understand the applicable process.
The new law provides additional criminal justice tools, but legal measures cannot replace housing, safety planning, legal assistance and mental health support. Available services and language assistance differ by region, so residents should confirm service coverage and appointment requirements before seeking help.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
