Wallet
At First Glance
He took care of all the immigration formalities. He keeps her passport, papers and money in a safe place. She doesn't have to worry as he takes care of everything.
The Reality
"I came to Québec because my husband got a good job here. My work permit was linked to his status. I didn't even have access to my papers. When I wanted to meet a co-worker away from home or go shopping downtown, he'd tell me I could only go if he said so. If I wanted to buy anything, I had to ask his permission. I had to negotiate all the time. He always ended up telling me that without him, I was nothing and that he could have me deported at any time. He forced me to deposit my salary into the joint account when I found a job. I didn't even have access to this account. I felt trapped and so far from my family."
The Signs
Threatening, controlling finances, controlling daily life and isolation
are all examples of coercive control
Why is this Coercive Control?
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01
Threats related to immigration status
He uses the fact that she has obtained a spousal work permit to increase his domination over her, make her dependent on him and deprive her of resources. In reality, he would not be able to carry out his threats because, contrary to popular belief, once a work permit has been obtained, it is valid for its entire duration, regardless of the common-law partner's wishes.
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02
Obedience or retaliation
By threatening her, he forces her to obey his demands and his imposed rules. If she doesn't follow, she risks reprisals.
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03
Economic violence
Depriving a partner of their income is economic violence.
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04
Confiscating papers
Confiscating someone's papers is a criminal offence.
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