Prevent abusers from accessing victims’ pensions
The Issue
In 2022, I made the decision to separate from my husband. Our separation date was October 11. Four days later, he withdrew $30,000 from our joint line of credit without my knowledge. Soon after, on November 13, my life took a terrifying turn when he burnt down my home.The emotional and financial devastation was unimaginable, yet he faced little consequence. Caught and released on his own recognizance, he continued to haunt my life, stalking me and ultimately finding where I was staying. He brutally assaulted me with a weapon. It was only thanks to the courageous intervention of a woman who happened to be in the alley that I am alive today.
You would think justice would protect me in the aftermath of such violence, but now, in the financial part of our divorce, my abuser is entitled to a claim on my pension. This is not just my story; countless others across Canada face similar injustices, where their abusers pursue financial claims against their assets, worsening their trauma.
Canada’s legal system should prioritize the protection of victims and not the financial interests of their abusers. It's unconscionable that an abuser could benefit from the financial stability a survivor has worked for, further trapping them in a cycle of abuse. Our laws need urgent reform to reflect the moral and ethical imperative of protecting abuse victims financially.
**Proposed Solutions:**
1. **Legislative Reform:** Amend federal and provincial laws to prevent abusers from accessing any form of financial benefits from their victims, including pensions.
2. **Financial Safeguards**: Establish legal protections to prevent the withdrawal of joint funds without mutual consent post-separation.
3. **Support Services:** Increase funding for legal and financial advisory services specifically aimed at helping survivors of domestic abuse.
The emotional and financial turmoil endured by survivors is magnified when their abuser can legally claim their hard-earned savings. It's crucial that our legal system reflects the values of justice and protection for those most vulnerable.
By signing this petition, you will help pressurize lawmakers to take immediate action, ensuring that survivors are not financially tethered to their abusers, preserving their dignity and autonomy. Let us stand united for a just and fair system that protects victims, not punishes them. Please sign this petition and support a much-needed change in our legal system.
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The Issue
In 2022, I made the decision to separate from my husband. Our separation date was October 11. Four days later, he withdrew $30,000 from our joint line of credit without my knowledge. Soon after, on November 13, my life took a terrifying turn when he burnt down my home.The emotional and financial devastation was unimaginable, yet he faced little consequence. Caught and released on his own recognizance, he continued to haunt my life, stalking me and ultimately finding where I was staying. He brutally assaulted me with a weapon. It was only thanks to the courageous intervention of a woman who happened to be in the alley that I am alive today.
You would think justice would protect me in the aftermath of such violence, but now, in the financial part of our divorce, my abuser is entitled to a claim on my pension. This is not just my story; countless others across Canada face similar injustices, where their abusers pursue financial claims against their assets, worsening their trauma.
Canada’s legal system should prioritize the protection of victims and not the financial interests of their abusers. It's unconscionable that an abuser could benefit from the financial stability a survivor has worked for, further trapping them in a cycle of abuse. Our laws need urgent reform to reflect the moral and ethical imperative of protecting abuse victims financially.
**Proposed Solutions:**
1. **Legislative Reform:** Amend federal and provincial laws to prevent abusers from accessing any form of financial benefits from their victims, including pensions.
2. **Financial Safeguards**: Establish legal protections to prevent the withdrawal of joint funds without mutual consent post-separation.
3. **Support Services:** Increase funding for legal and financial advisory services specifically aimed at helping survivors of domestic abuse.
The emotional and financial turmoil endured by survivors is magnified when their abuser can legally claim their hard-earned savings. It's crucial that our legal system reflects the values of justice and protection for those most vulnerable.
By signing this petition, you will help pressurize lawmakers to take immediate action, ensuring that survivors are not financially tethered to their abusers, preserving their dignity and autonomy. Let us stand united for a just and fair system that protects victims, not punishes them. Please sign this petition and support a much-needed change in our legal system.
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Petition created on August 3, 2026