As December descends upon unceded territory in Canada, we would like to thank everyone for taking action and helping in advocating for systematic change during the #HelpUsRise awareness campaign! The dissemination of information is imperative. It is time to push the government of Canada to act.

WHEREAS there is an appalling lack of access to economic resources for those escaping abusive relationships; BE IT RESOLVED that the Canadian government finally take action and adequately address economic abuse.

You may be wondering what the government’s role is when addressing economic abuse. There are actionable items that the government is capable of doing such as creating a statutory definition of economic abuse.

As humans, we have an intense instinct to define things and put them in boxes in order to process, understand and address issues.

In a thick Newfoundland accent my youth parliament instructor says “Now remember always define the resolution. Definitions will identify what the issues are and will focus the exchange of ideas.” I sat with this throughout my youthful debating days, law school, law practice and my parliamentary advocacy.

I learned from a young age that statutory definitions are necessary in order to ensure adequate public policy. According to an article published in Europe PMC (April 2020) entitled Economic Abuse as an Invisible Form of Domestic Violence:

A Multicountry Review:

While the links between gendered economic insecurity and economic abuse are emergent at best (Corrie, 2016), there remains a lack of consistency about definitions within the United States and globally, as there is no agreed index with which to measure economic abuse, underscoring the purpose of this article. As with all measures of social concerns, definitions do matter and it is here that the research can lack precision.

The article also speaks to the nuance between economic and financial abuse. Financial abuse focuses specifically on individual money and finances. Economic abuse is further reaching and encompasses economic resources such as transportation, a place to live, employment, and education.

WHEREAS Canada lacks an adequate definition and an agreed index with which to measure economic abuse; BE IT RESOLVED that Statistics Canada begin collecting data and conduct studies on economic abuse.

Under the Statistics Act, Statistics Canada is required to collect, compile, analyze, abstract and publish statistical information relating to the commercial, industrial, financial, social, economic and general activities and condition of the people of Canada.

The 2019 WomanACT study found that, unlike physical abuse, economic abuse often continues long after a woman has left the abusive relationship. Coerced debt and bad credit scores often prevent survivors from securing housing in the short and long terms or make it more difficult to get a credit card, student loan, line of credit, car loan, and potentially employment due to screening by some employers.

Measuring the extent of this problem is crucial in order to adequately address this problem as it affects the people of Canada.
In addition, we call upon the Canadian government to create a statutory definition of family and gender-based violence that is inclusive of economic abuse. Canada is capable of becoming a global leader, in this regard.

The Criminal Code of Canada under section 265 (assault) applies to all forms of assault, including sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, threats to a third party or causing bodily harm and aggravated sexual assault. Domestic abuse is caught under this section. The act or threat of emotional and/or economic abuse is left out.

The omission is appalling.

Fortunately, the Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, Anita Vandenbend, spoke to this issue in the House of Commons, in October 2020, stating that “while many people understand the impact of physical violence and verbal and psychological abuse, what is less often discussed is economic abuse. While 95% of women who experience domestic abuse also experience economic abuse, it can also occur on its own.”

While the current administration has brought forth gender-based policy and has committed time and time again to ensure gender equality, current mandates exclude economic abuse.

We call up on the Canadian government to expand the Federal Strategy to end Gender-Based Violence to include economic abuse

On December 13, 2019, The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, was mandated (among other things) to drive systemic change that promotes a fairer and more productive society for women by improving quality of life, advancing leadership and addressing gender-based violence.

Prime Minister Trudeau also mandated Minister Monsef to develop a National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence, with a focus on ensuring that anyone facing gender-based violence has reliable and timely access to protection and services.

The government of Canada would be doing an injustice if they do not include economic abuse in this National Action Plan.

WHEREAS the Canadian government has committed to advancing leadership and addressing gender-based violence; BE IT RESOLVED that the government of Canada recognize November 26 as National Economic Abuse Awareness Day.

The government of Canada must take action and fulfill its mandate and help domestic and economic abuse survivors rise. The pandemic of economic abuse within a global health pandemic requires action now.

I wonder how my youth parliament instructor would feel about the lack of a statutory definition in this regard. I assume he would say that it causes confusion, impedes the flow of ideas and ultimately public policy. Ergo, an adequate response and availability of resources are hindered.

Oh Canada…

WHEREAS in Canada 95% of women who experience domestic violence also experience economic abuse and a gap in government policy to respond has been identified; BE IT RESOLVED that we all make our voices heard, take action and sign the Canadian Center for Women’s Empowerment petition here so that (with glowing hearts) we see thee #rise!

By Lisa Smith, CCFWE Volunteer