Coercive control in divorce cases means proving a pattern you can see but can't show. You're in court listing incidents. Weekend trip to the woods, no cell service, kids unreachable for 48 hours. Your ex's explanation: digital detox, quality family time. Next incident: showing up at the coffee shop you mentioned going to. Explanation: coincidence, it's a public place. Bank statement monitoring. Explanation: responsible co-parenting requires financial transparency. The judge sees your list of complaints with rational answers attached. You sound paranoid.

Proposed changes to Canada's Divorce Act force lawyers to screen for family violence before anything else. Not recommended, mandated. Judges would have to weigh coercive control as part of best interests analysis, not as a discretionary maybe consideration. The shift matters because right now the legal system looks at individual incidents. Passive tracking, financial monitoring, strategic communication blocking all have justifications when examined separately. Pattern recognition requires stepping back to see what's actually happening, not justifying each specific circumstance. Bach points to the core problem: so many small things that individually don't paint the picture.

The next time someone tells you about their ex's behavior and you can't tell if it's legitimate concern or bitterness, you'll recognize the pattern test. Small justifiable actions that add up to control. The law is catching up to what friends and therapists already see.

Topics: coercive control, family violence, divorce act Canada, custody safety, parental alienation

GUEST: Alyssa Bach | http://shulman.ca

Originally aired on 2026-02-04

Coercive control in divorce cases means proving a pattern you can see but can't show. You're in court listing incidents. Weekend trip to the woods, no cell service, kids unreachable for 48 hours. Your ex's explanation: digital detox, quality family time. Next incident: showing up at the coffee shop you mentioned going to. Explanation: coincidence, it's a public place. Bank statement monitoring. Explanation: responsible co-parenting requires financial transparency. The judge sees your list of complaints with rational answers attached. You sound paranoid.
Proposed changes to Canada's Divorce Act force lawyers to screen for family violence before anything else. Not recommended, mandated. Judges would have to weigh coercive control as part of best interests analysis, not as a discretionary maybe consideration. The shift matters because right now the legal system looks at individual incidents. Passive tracking, financial monitoring, strategic communication blocking all have justifications when examined separately. Pattern recognition requires stepping back to see what's actually happening, not justifying each specific circumstance. Bach points to the core problem: so many small things that individually don't paint the picture.
The next time someone tells you about their ex's behavior and you can't tell if it's legitimate concern or bitterness, you'll recognize the pattern test. Small justifiable actions that add up to control. The law is catching up to what friends and therapists already see.
Topics: coercive control, family violence, divorce act Canada, custody safety, parental alienation
GUEST: Alyssa Bach |<a href="http://shulman.ca"> http://shulman.ca</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-04

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.