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Family Violence

Family violence is considered to be any form of abuse, mistreatment or neglect that a child or adult experiences from a family member, or from someone with whom they have an intimate relationship. The following pages provide information about family violence, the laws relating to family violence and the kind of help that is available to someone experiencing family violence.

Services and information

About Family Violence

Family violence is when someone uses abusive behaviour to control and/or harm a member of their family, or someone with whom they have an intimate relationship.

Family Violence Laws

Under the Constitution, the Parliament of Canada has the authority to make laws related to criminal law and determine the rules of criminal procedure.

Get help with family violence

If your area does not have a 9-1-1 service, call your local police emergency number.

Contribute to research on the use of family violence screening tools by family lawyers

We are undertaking a research project on family violence screening tools.

Family Violence Initiative

The Family Violence Initiative supports of the development, implementation, testing and assessment of models, strategies and tools to improve the justice system's response to family violence.