Domestic Violence Protections in British Columbia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Canada has three legal systems that address domestic violence: criminal law (federal), family law (provincial), and domestic violence legislation (provincial).
The Criminal Code covers assault, criminal harassment (stalking), uttering threats, and peace bonds (section 810). A new intimate partner violence provision (section 810.03) came into effect in April 2025.
Provincial laws allow for emergency protection orders. In Alberta, for example, these can be obtained 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and without the abuser knowing.
The 2021 amendments to the Divorce Act defined family violence broadly for the first time in federal law. The definition includes physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, and financial abuse, as well as coercive and controlling behaviour.
When does it apply?
Domestic violence protections apply to:
- Anyone experiencing violence, threats, or harassment from a family member, intimate partner, or former partner.
- This applies regardless of whether you are married, common-law, or dating.
- Children who are exposed to violence are also covered and considered by courts.
What to Do If You Are Experiencing Domestic Violence in Canada
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
- Contact a domestic violence hotline for confidential support and safety planning.
- Apply for a protection order through provincial court — emergency orders can often be obtained quickly.
- Report to police — criminal charges may apply for assault, threats, or harassment.
- Document everything — keep records of incidents, photos, messages, and medical reports in a safe place the abuser cannot access.
- Inform your family lawyer — violence is a major factor in parenting and support decisions.
- Create a safety plan — include a safe place to go, important documents, and emergency contacts.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume it's not "serious enough" — emotional and financial abuse are recognized forms of family violence.
- Don't violate your own protection order — even voluntary contact can result in criminal charges against you.
- Don't communicate through the children — use a parenting app or other neutral method.
- Don't destroy evidence — keep all messages, photos, and records safe.
- Don't assume you must leave the home — protection orders can remove the abuser from the residence instead.
How British Columbia differs from federal law
BC's Family Law Act provides specific protective orders for family violence, alongside the Criminal Code protections available across Canada.
- A protection order under the Family Law Act can prohibit the abuser from contacting or coming near you, your home, your workplace, or your children. It can be obtained from BC Provincial Court or Supreme Court.
- Protection orders can be made without notice to the abuser (ex parte) if there is an immediate risk. The court will then schedule a hearing where the abuser can respond.
- The Family Law Act defines family violence broadly — it includes physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, intimidation, harassment, damage to property, unreasonable restrictions on financial or personal autonomy, and threats of any of these.
- VictimLink BC is a 24/7 multilingual helpline (1-800-563-0808) for victims of family and sexual violence. It provides immediate crisis support, safety planning, and referrals to local services including transition houses.
- BC courts must consider family violence as a factor in all parenting decisions. A history of family violence can significantly affect guardianship and parenting time orders.
Additional Steps in British Columbia
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For a protection order, go to your nearest BC Provincial Court and ask to speak with court registry staff — they can help you fill out the application form. You do not need a lawyer. Call VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808 (24/7) for crisis support and referrals to transition houses and legal advocacy. Legal Aid BC provides free legal representation for family violence protection orders through its family law duty counsel.
Relevant Law: Family Law Act, SBC 2011, c. 25, Part 9 (protection orders), s. 1 (definition of family violence); Criminal Code, RSC 1985, c. C-46 (peace bonds, criminal charges)
Common Questions
When does domestic violence protections apply?
Domestic violence protections apply to:Anyone experiencing violence, threats, or harassment from a family member, intimate partner, or former partner.This applies regardless of whether you are married, common-law, or dating.Children who are exposed to violence are also covered and considered by courts.
What should I do if I'm experiencing domestic violence or abuse from a partner in Canada?
Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.Contact a domestic violence hotline for confidential support and safety planning.Apply for a protection order through provincial court — emergency orders can often be obtained quickly.Report to police — criminal charges may apply for assault, threats, or harassment.Document everything — keep records of incidents, photos, messages, and medical reports in a safe place the abuser cannot access.Inform your family lawyer — violence is a major factor in parenting and support decisions.Create a safety plan — include a safe place to go, important documents, and...
What mistakes should I avoid with domestic violence protections?
Don't assume it's not "serious enough" — emotional and financial abuse are recognized forms of family violence.Don't violate your own protection order — even voluntary contact can result in criminal charges against you.Don't communicate through the children — use a parenting app or other neutral method.Don't destroy evidence — keep all messages, photos, and records safe.Don't assume you must leave the home — protection orders can remove the abuser from the residence instead.
Domestic Violence Protections in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.