Challenges and Perspectives on the Criminalization of Femicide in Canada

Conference by Alain-Guy Sipowo and Charlie Rohr
Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Room B-4335, Pavillon Jean-Brillant, Université de Montréal & Online (Zoom)

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Abstract:

This conference explores the issue of the criminalization of femicide in Canada—a crime that remains absent from the Criminal Code—in order to assess the challenges and prospects of its inclusion as a distinct offense. Through a review of the literature and public positions taken by various stakeholders, the conference will discuss the potential benefits of such legal recognition, including deterrence and increased public awareness, while also addressing critiques related to its perceived ineffectiveness in other jurisdictions and the lack of a proactive approach.

Biographies:

Alain-Guy Sipowo
A member of the Quebec Bar, Alain-Guy Sipowo has been an Assistant Professor at the School of Criminology at the Université de Montréal since 2021, where he teaches and conducts research on victims’ rights within criminal justice systems. He holds a Ph.D. in International Law from Université Laval (2014) and is a member of both the CICC and the World Society of Victimology. His past professional experience includes work with the United Nations, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and the International Criminal Court. He has also served as legal counsel for states in contentious cases before the International Court of Justice.

Charlie Rohr
Charlie Rohr is a Master’s candidate in Criminology at the Université de Montréal, supervised by Professor Jean-Pierre Guay. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (2023) and has a particular interest in the study of violence against women and sexual deviance. Throughout her academic journey, she has contributed to several research projects, including those focused on the effectiveness of restraining bracelets and the evaluation of a diversion program related to the purchase of sexual services.