Based on coverage from CBC, CityNews Vancouver, and Castanet.
In a significant move to bolster protections against a modern form of sexualized violence, the British Columbia government is set to strengthen legislation concerning the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Attorney General Niki Sharma announced the proposed amendments to the Intimate Images Protection Act, which first came into effect in January 2024. This legislative tweak is aimed at offering more robust support to victims and ensuring that perpetrators face tangible consequences.
Sharma, speaking at the onset of the fall legislative session in Victoria, emphasized that sharing intimate images without consent is not just a breach of privacy but a crime that can be used for extortion, blackmail, or emotional abuse. The proposed bill seeks to increase the maximum compensation victims can claim through the Civil Resolution Tribunal to $75,000—a substantial leap from the current limit, which is 14 times lower. This change is designed to provide victims with a more meaningful avenue for justice and reparation.
The urgency of this legislative update is underscored by the numbers: the Civil Resolution Tribunal is currently handling 381 cases related to intimate images, and nearly 700 individuals have sought assistance from the province's dedicated support service since the act was first implemented. Sharma pointed out that many victims suffer in silence, burdened by shame and stigma, which often deters them from pursuing legal action. The proposed changes aim to shift the narrative, placing the blame squarely on the perpetrators.
Sharma also highlighted the need for Canada to enhance its Criminal Code laws, particularly concerning the sexual extortion of children. The challenge is compounded by the fact that many perpetrators operate from outside the country, complicating legal proceedings against them.
In tandem with these amendments, the B.C. government is also introducing a new law to address sexual violence on post-secondary campuses. Since 2017, public post-secondary institutions in B.C. have been required to maintain sexual violence policies. However, Minister of Post-Secondary Education Jessie Sunner noted that the current framework has gaps that need addressing. The new proposals aim to expand the scope of these policies to include faculty, employees, contractors, volunteers, and board members, alongside students.
Sunner's plan includes more rigorous annual reporting requirements and improved support for survivors. Institutions would gain the authority to share information about interim measures and case outcomes with survivors, fostering transparency and accountability. Additionally, a new post-secondary sexual violence action plan is on the horizon, promising 12 actions focused on prevention through training and enhanced data collection and reporting.
These legislative efforts reflect a broader societal push towards recognizing and addressing the nuances of sexualized violence in the digital age. By fortifying legal frameworks and expanding support systems, B.C. aims to create an environment where victims feel empowered to seek justice and where perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. It's a step forward in acknowledging the complexities of modern-day privacy violations and the profound impact they have on individuals' lives.
