I'd like to call this meeting to order.

Welcome to meeting number 126 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women.

I would like to remind all members of the following points.

Please wait until I recognize you by name prior to speaking. I will remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motions adopted by the committee on Monday, November 27, 2023, and Monday, October 7, 2024, the committee is continuing with its study of coercive behaviour.

Thank you for your co‑operation.

Before we welcome our witnesses, I would like to provide a trigger warning. We will be discussing experiences related to violence and coercive control. This may be triggering to viewers who have had similar experiences. If anyone present feels distressed or needs help, please advise the clerk.

For all witnesses and all members of Parliament, it is important that we recognize that these are very difficult discussions. Let's try to be as compassionate as we can be in our conversations.

I would like to note that we have one witness appearing anonymously. They will be referred to as Witness 1. I kindly ask that all members refer to the witness as such.

For today's panel, appearing first as an individual by video conference, we have Jean Mercer, professor emerita of psychology at Stockton University. Second, we have Witness 1. Third, from One Mom’s Battle, we have Tina Swithin, advocate for family court reform, who is joining us by video conference. From Western University, also joining us by video conference, we have Lisa Heslop, associate of the centre for research and education on violence against women and children.

At this point, we will begin our opening statements. You'll have up to five minutes.

Professor Mercer, you have the floor for up to five minutes. Thank you.

Shelby Kramp-Neuman

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