Domestic Violence Protections in Quebec
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 Quebec differs from federal law
Quebec provides protections against domestic violence through both the Criminal Code (federal) and provincial laws, including the Civil Code of Quebec and specific provincial programs.
- Criminal offences such as assault, uttering threats, harassment, and sexual assault are prosecuted under the federal Criminal Code, but Quebec's prosecution service (DPCP — Directeur des poursuites criminelles et penales) has adopted a pro-prosecution policy for domestic violence cases, meaning charges are generally pursued even if the victim is reluctant.
- The Civil Code of Quebec allows the Superior Court to grant emergency orders in family situations, including exclusive use of the family residence and restraining provisions (article 500 CCQ for civil union and married spouses).
- Quebec's Act to prevent and fight sexual violence (CQLR c P-22.1) established a comprehensive strategy including support for victims, training for professionals, and coordination between government departments.
- The Quebec government funds a network of shelters for women and children fleeing domestic violence across the province (maisons d'hebergement), coordinated by organizations like the Federation des maisons d'hebergement pour femmes and SOS violence conjugale.
- The Crime Victims Compensation Act (CQLR c I-6) and the IVAC (Indemnisation des victimes d'actes criminels) program provide financial compensation to victims of violent crimes, including domestic violence, for injuries and related expenses.
Additional Steps in Quebec
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential support and referrals, call SOS violence conjugale at 1-800-363-9010 (available 24/7, multilingual). To apply for crime victim compensation, contact IVAC at ivac.qc.ca or 1-800-561-4822. For legal advice, contact Legal Aid Quebec at 1-800-842-2213 or the Barreau du Quebec referral service.
Relevant Law: Criminal Code (RSC 1985, c C-46); Civil Code of Quebec, art. 500; Act to prevent and fight sexual violence (CQLR c P-22.1); Crime Victims Compensation Act (CQLR c I-6)
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.
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