General information about abuse

What can you do if you have been abused?

You can talk to someone about the abuse.

You can tell a family member, a friend, or your doctor about the abuse. You can also talk to a support group in your community. Women's centres and legal aid offices may be able to tell you of other services that offer help.

You can get medical help.

If you have been hurt you can go to your doctor or to the emergency department at a hospital. If your injuries are visible you can have pictures taken. They can be used in court should you decide to lay assault charges. There are special medical and police procedures for sexual assault cases. For more information, check Sexual Assault and the Law in Canada.

You can apply for a protective order under the Protection Against Family Violence Act.

Emergency Protective Orders.

Queens Bench Protective Orders.

You can apply for a peace bond.

A peace bond or "recognizance" is a paper signed by a person (such as a spouse) promising to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. The peace bond may have other conditions such as requiring the person to stay away from your home or place of work. A peace bond may last up to one year. The judge decides how long it will last.

You have to go to court to get a peace bond. You do not have to be assaulted to apply nor do you have to lay assault charges. You do have to convince the judge that you have a reasonable fear of the offender. The offender will also be in court.

You can leave your spouse.

If you and your spouse do not get along, there is no law that requires you to live together. Before you leave you should find out what your rights are in relation to the children and to property. If you decide to leave, you may need to go to a women's shelter or you may have family and friends who will help you.

Finding a Place To Go

When an assault occurs, the victim should attempt to protect herself. One way you might do this is to leave the home. If you do not have a friend or family member with whom you can safely stay, and cannot afford a motel, there are shelters in Alberta called transition houses or interval houses which will accommodate you in an emergency. The RCMP or the police, if requested, will escort you out of the family home to any safe place you specify.

If there are no shelters for battered women nearby, the Salvation Army may be able to provide temporary assistance. It might also be worthwhile to check with the local Crisis Line or Help Line which may be able to provide a list of the organizations that can help during a crisis.

If you have been assaulted, you can report it to the police.

The Criminal Code says that assault is a criminal offence. The Code describes three types of assault and sets maximum penalties (called sentences) for each type. The three types of assault are:

• simple assault (usually called common assault). Examples are slapping, pushing, shoving, or punching, or someone saying that he or she will harm you or your children.

• assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm. Examples are being beaten with a baseball bat or getting a black eye or broken bones.

• aggravated assault is an assault where your life is endangered or you are wounded, maimed, or disfigured. Examples are when the offender threatens to kill you or when your injuries from the assault leave you with a limp or scars.

General Information about Abuse - Continued: Definitions of abuse Some things you should know What are some of the warning signs? What do we know about abusers? Why women do not leave Effects of abuse on women and children.

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