Divorce Explained with Steve Benmor & Leanne Townsend
Whether you’re just beginning to consider separation, trying mediation, or overwhelmed with divorce litigation, you likely have many questions. Divorce Explained has the answers. Each week, co-hosts Steve Benmor and Leanne Townsend cover the many questions and concerns commonly associated with divorce and separation. You’ll learn about the latest developments in family law, legal strategies you can use to support your divorce case, advice on how to mitigate the impact of divorce on your family, and more.
Divorce Explained with Steve Benmor & Leanne Townsend
Coercive Control + Intimate Partner Violence: A Story of One Person
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In this episode, family lawyers Leanne Townsend and Steve Benmor explore one of the most difficult realities in family law: allegations of coercive control and intimate partner violence involving respected professionals, community leaders, and other high-profile individuals.
Following their discussion of the landmark Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia decision by the Supreme Court of Canada, they respond to a listener's powerful question:
How can someone seek justice when no one believes the abuse because the abuser has an impeccable public reputation?
The conversation examines:
• Why respected and successful individuals can still be abusive behind closed doors
• The challenges survivors face when reporting coercive control and intimate partner violence
• How power, wealth, and public image can influence family law proceedings
• The role of evidence in cases that often become "one person's word against another"
• Practical strategies for safely documenting abuse and building a case
• Why speaking to a lawyer, therapist, or trusted professional is often the first step, not necessarily going public
• How landmark cases like Ahluwalia are changing the legal landscape in Canada
This discussion also touches on broader public examples that demonstrate how reputation and accountability can diverge, while emphasizing the importance of evidence, legal strategy, and informed decision-making.
If you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control or intimate partner violence, remember that support is available. Every situation is unique, and obtaining professional legal and emotional support can help you understand your options.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This discussion is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. If you require legal advice, consult a family lawyer.
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