In a landmark 6-3 decision released on May 15, 2026, the Supreme Court of Canada recognized a new tort of intimate partner violence, giving survivors a distinct legal avenue to seek financial damages for patterns of coercive and controlling conduct within intimate relationships. The decision has significant implications for anyone facing domestic assault charges, as allegations of coercive control may now carry consequences on both the criminal and civil side. Toronto criminal defence lawyer Alexander Karapancev was interviewed by CTV News to break down what the decision means for Canadians and why it’s being called a unique development in Canadian law.
