Domestic Violence Protections — Quebec
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 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
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.