Domestic violence is not specifically criminalized, and while charges may be brought up by the authorities, the police is usually reportedly reluctant to follow up the cases, resulting in the perpetrators enjoying impunity.
[6] Toronto Star reported that the extent and culture of gender-based violence and the "climate of impunity" for its perpetrators has forced women to seek refuge abroad.
A number amounting to 4.3% of the country's population has reportedly sought refuge in Canada in the 21st century, the majority of them being women, mostly fleeing from domestic violence.
[3] According to the US Department of State in 2013, the constitution and law provided for the freedom of speech and press, and the government generally respected these rights.
An independent media engaged in the free expression of a wide variety of views, though some libel cases, used by politicians to preserve their reputation, and press being rebuked by officials were identified as issues that could reportedly lead to self-censorship.
[5] Freedom House concurred with the statements by the Department of State in 2014 and drew attention to the libel cases and threats of suing press members by the prime minister.
[7] According to the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, "from most accounts [the country] enjoys a relatively high standard of freedom of speech and free press", but the unlawful arrest of a Canadian journalist in Kingstown was an issue in 2009.