Manitoba Domestic Violence Protections Laws (2026)
About this article
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?
Three legal systems run in parallel against domestic violence in Canada: criminal law (federal), family law (provincial), and domestic violence legislation (provincial). They overlap on purpose — a single incident can engage all three.
The Criminal Code covers assault, criminal harassment (stalking), uttering threats, and the s. 810 peace bond. The newer intimate-partner violence provision (s. 810.03) came into force in April 2025 and is the targeted tool for IPV cases that don't quite reach assault charges.
Provincial statutes layer on emergency protection orders. In Alberta, for example, EPOs are available 24/7 without notice to the respondent — the abuser has no advance warning that the order is being sought.
The 2021 Divorce Act amendments gave federal law its first formal definition of family violence. It is broad: physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, and financial abuse, plus coercive and controlling behaviour — the latter being the change that family-violence advocates had pushed for over years.
When does it apply?
Domestic violence protections cover:
- Anyone experiencing violence, threats, or harassment from a family member, intimate partner, or former partner.
- The protections run regardless of whether you're married, common-law, or dating.
- Children exposed to violence are protected too — and courts now treat exposure as a parenting consideration.
What to Do If You Are Experiencing Domestic Violence in Canada
Safety first, evidence second, paper trail throughout.
- 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 are usually quick.
- Report to police. Charges can attach to assault, threats, or criminal harassment.
- Document everything — incidents, photos, messages, medical reports — in a place the abuser can't reach.
- Tell your family lawyer. Family violence is a major factor in parenting and support decisions under the 2021 Act.
- Build a safety plan: somewhere to go, key documents in one bag, emergency contacts memorised.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't dismiss it as "not serious enough." Emotional and financial abuse are recognised forms of family violence under the Divorce Act.
- Don't violate your own protection order. Even voluntary contact can lead to charges against the protected party.
- Don't communicate through the children. Use a parenting app or another neutral channel.
- Don't destroy evidence. Keep all messages, photos, and records.
- Don't assume you have to leave the home. Protection orders can remove the abuser instead.
How Manitoba differs from federal law
Manitoba has comprehensive domestic violence protections under The Domestic Violence and Stalking Act, CCSM c. D93, in addition to Criminal Code protections that apply across Canada.
- Manitoba's Domestic Violence and Stalking Act provides protection orders and prevention orders for victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual exploitation.
- A protection order can be obtained quickly (sometimes within hours) from a designated justice of the peace — the respondent does not need to be present. It can prohibit contact, exclude the abuser from the home, and grant temporary custody of children.
- A prevention order is issued by the Court of King's Bench after a hearing where both sides can present evidence. It provides longer-term protection and can include broader restrictions.
- The Criminal Code provides peace bonds (section 810) and criminal charges for assault, uttering threats, criminal harassment (stalking), and other offences.
- Manitoba funds a network of crisis shelters and support services for domestic violence victims across the province, including in rural and northern communities.
Additional Steps in Manitoba
In an emergency, call 911. For the Manitoba Domestic Violence Crisis Line, call 1-877-977-0007 (24/7). To obtain a protection order, contact your local victim services office or the Manitoba Justice Domestic Violence Unit. You can also call the Manitoba Women's Advisory Council or contact Legal Aid Manitoba at 1-800-261-2960 for legal help. The Manitoba Association of Women's Shelters (fax: 204-942-3534) can connect you with the nearest shelter.
Relevant Law: The Domestic Violence and Stalking Act, CCSM c. D93; Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, ss. 264, 266–268, 810
Common Questions
What is the domestic violence protections right in Canada?
Three legal systems run in parallel against domestic violence in Canada: criminal law (federal), family law (provincial), and domestic violence legislation (provincial). They overlap on purpose — a single incident can engage all three.The Criminal Code covers assault, criminal harassment (stalking), uttering threats, and the s. 810 peace bond. The newer intimate-partner violence provision (s. 810.03) came into force in April 2025 and is the targeted tool for IPV cases that don't quite reach assault charges.Provincial statutes layer on emergency protection orders. In Alberta, for example, EPOs...
When does domestic violence protections apply?
Domestic violence protections cover:Anyone experiencing violence, threats, or harassment from a family member, intimate partner, or former partner.The protections run regardless of whether you're married, common-law, or dating.Children exposed to violence are protected too — and courts now treat exposure as a parenting consideration.
What should I do if I'm experiencing domestic violence or abuse from a partner in Canada?
Safety first, evidence second, paper trail throughout.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 are usually quick.Report to police. Charges can attach to assault, threats, or criminal harassment.Document everything — incidents, photos, messages, medical reports — in a place the abuser can't reach.Tell your family lawyer. Family violence is a major factor in parenting and support decisions under the 2021 Act.Build a safety plan: somewhere to go,...
What mistakes should I avoid with domestic violence protections?
Don't dismiss it as "not serious enough." Emotional and financial abuse are recognised forms of family violence under the Divorce Act.Don't violate your own protection order. Even voluntary contact can lead to charges against the protected party.Don't communicate through the children. Use a parenting app or another neutral channel.Don't destroy evidence. Keep all messages, photos, and records.Don't assume you have to leave the home. Protection orders can remove the abuser instead.
Domestic Violence Protections in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.