Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic has much to celebrate!

Established in the memory of Barbra Teena Schlifer, the clinic helps 16,000+ women yearly build lives free from violence through counselling, legal representation and language interpretation.

Deepa Mattoo, Executive Director of Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic

Credit: Deepa Mattoo

Coercive control is defined as, a continuing act, or pattern of acts, of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten.

Coercive control strips gender-based violence survivors of their fundamental rights and freedoms, placing them at the mercy of their abuser.

Research indicates that coercive control is a stronger predictor of severe violence or even death in intimate partner relationships than the frequency or severity of physical abuse alone.

As a result, numerous jurisdictions have recently moved to enact legislation specifically targeting coercive control including Scotland in 2018.

“In the realm of coercive behaviour, we confront a maze of challenges, especially within our legal systems, which becomes even tougher for immigrant, refugee, disabled, and gender-diverse communities. Embedded within Gender-Based Violence (GBV) coercive control is a harmful pattern —a web of assault, threats, and humiliation designed to scare and control survivors. It's not just one event; it's a series, often accompanied by emotional abuse, leaving victims feeling trapped and powerless.” says Deepa Mattoo, Executive Director of Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic.

Mattoo spoke before the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (FEWO) in accordance with Standing Order 108(2) on May 7, 2024.

The Committee was undertaking a study of coercive behaviour, focusing on countries and jurisdictions around the world that have already legislated on this issue.

Private Member’s Bill C-332 was brought forward by New Democrat MP Laurel Collins to criminalize coercive behaviour between partners. Bill C-332 was unanimously passed by Parliament on June 12, 2024 with 324 votes in favour of the bill, 0 against and 2 paired – Liberal Bill Blair, Scarborough Southwest and Conservative Cheryl Gallant, Renfrew – Nipissing – Pembroke.

While the passing of Bill C-322 is an important legal milestone when it comes to protecting women and children, the Schlifer Clinic recommends the folowing measures be implemented to support individuals experiencing coercive control:

·       Providing training for legal professionals and family law actors to better understand and respond to cases of coercive behaviour.

·       Ensuring diversity among justice system professionals to bring vital perspectives and foster trust with survivors.

·       Guaranteeing sustainable access to justice resources which makes a significant difference to survivors' experience in the legal system.

·       Providing public legal education plays a vital role in empowering individuals and communities to recognize and respond to coercive behaviour, fostering a society that stands against such behaviour and creating a supportive environment for individuals to seek help.

·       Integrating risk assessment into legal proceedings is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of survivors, and addressing the lack of collaboration between stakeholders is essential for developing comprehensive risk management plans tailored to the unique needs of those affected by coercive behaviour.

The Schlifer Clinic actively assists individuals experiencing coercive control through their legal services and special projects using a multifaceted approach.

One such approach is by using the Risk Identification and Safety Assessment (RISA) Tool developed for frontline service providers working with survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) or those at risk.

RISA assists service providers in screening and identifying potential risk for future violence where GBV has been identified, while assisting with personalized safety plans and case management.

RISA was developed as part of the Schlifer Clinic’s National Risk Assessment Project and funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE). RISA addresses key gaps in the way risks of violence are currently identified and addressed.

Research conducted by the Schlifer Clinic found that many existing risk assessment tools have not been adequately tested in service provider settings, nor have survivors been sufficiently consulted during development.

“We are thrilled and deeply grateful for the invaluable input and collaboration of service providers and survivor communities in shaping this project. Their voices have been the cornerstone of our five-year labour of love, uniting community, staff, and partners. With gratitude, we embark on the next chapter, committed to continuing this transformative journey together,” said Mattoo.

The newly launched RISA website provides a user-friendly platform where both service providers and clients can access the tool and its resources including three wrap-around educational modules on the foundations of risk assessment and safety planning, a comprehensive three-step assessment as well as safety and action plans.

The Schlifer Clinic has a third reason to celebrate and that’s because on May 23, 2024 NDP MPP Jessica Bell attended the Legal Department’s meet and greet where she formally congratulated staff on the fabulous work they have been doing since receiving a two-year, $199,600 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in 2023.

“Congratulations to the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic on their impactful use of the $199,600 Resilient Communities Fund grant,” said Bell, NDP MPP for University-Rosedale.

“The Self-Represented Survivors Support Program and Parent Relief Program are crucial in providing much-needed support to survivors of
gender-based violence. The Clinic's incredible work continues to make a significant difference in our community,” Bell added.

Through the support of OTF grant, the Clinic is implementing a Self-Represented Survivors (SRS) Support Program and a Parent Relief (Childminding) Program.

These programs will enhance the Clinic’s capacity to provide direct support and informational resources to SRS in various legal situations.

Survivors face barriers to justice, exacerbated by the isolation and other impacts of COVID, including service cutbacks such as reduced access to Legal Aid.

The SRS Support Program provides direct support with everyday challenges like explaining in simple terms how the legal system works; helping SRS clients to fill out legal forms relevant to their GBV situations; working on their behalf while empowering them to self-advocate; and working for access to Legal Aid, unpaid child support, and other legal remedies impacting survivors in the legal system.

“On behalf of our organization, I extend heartfelt gratitude for the support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” said Mattoo.

“This grant is truly appreciated and will foster the resources, capacity, and support needed for survivors of gender-based violence. We believe
these programs will make a significant difference in the lives of people we work with,” added Mattoo.

As well, the Schlifer Clinic has been able to determine the feasibility of re-introducing its Parent Relief Program for on-site client appointments and group programing while ensuring an understanding of the new parameters of a COVID world, including the health and safety needs of infants and young children in an office environment.

By implementing these findings, the Schlifer Clinic has realigned the childminding role within its organization and revised job requirements to ensure the program provides a safe and stimulating environment for the youngest and most vulnerable visitors.

This funding has reinforced the Schlifer Clinic’s resiliency making it possible to adapt effectively during challenging times while remaining evidence-based.

Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic is a front-line, multi-disciplinary, specialized clinic for women and gender-diverse people experiencing violence.

Established in the memory of Barbra Teena Schlifer, the clinic supports more than 16,000 women a year as they build lives free from violence through counselling, legal representation and language interpretation.

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