our criminal justice system fails survivors of intimate partner violence and in particular those who experience narcissistic abuse and coercive control is because these types of abuse are generally not captured under the criminal code of Canada. This means that even if there is evidence to indicate these forms of violence are happening, often time the Crown Prosecutor will only pursue charges IF they have a high chance of conviction. So not only did the victim and survivor have to endure the abuse from their abuser, but now when they finally have proof to show this is indeed actually happening, they are retraumatized by the prosecutors and justice system

I never knew any of these things were characteristics of love bombing or were the red flags that I was too quick to ignore. In the beginning, I felt like I was on cloud nine. I finally felt like I had met the man of my dreams and that all the hardships and past difficult relationships were finally worth it. Now, with perspective, I have the insight that these tactics and strategies were moves that he had calculated right from the very beginning.

They will often make strong declarations of love claiming they have never experienced a real love like this before, calling you repeatedly to tell you they love you and miss you, and sometimes leaving you love notes everywhere as constant reminders of them and reminders of how wonderful they are. They often will come up with quick nick names like “honey bunny”, “my love”, “my soulmate” 

Trying to navigate seeking justice against narcissistic abuse is challenging and can be draining, but know that you are not alone in the pursuit of justice. This can be challenging in that there are numerous obstacles and barriers and can be extremely oppressive to survivors, but it can also be rewarding in the sense that you are speaking your voice and your voice matters! Your story MATTERS!