Understanding Domestic Violence Laws
Assault, defined under section 265 of the Criminal Code, encompasses various assault allegations, including domestic assault charges. Generally, it involves the intentional application of force, directly or indirectly, without consent. Assault can also entail attempted or threatened force. Actions like hitting, kicking, punching, or pushing someone without consent may constitute an assault, with no injury required.
Domestic assault involves accusations between 'intimate partners'—current or former spouses, common-law partners, or dating partners. Such cases differ significantly from other assault allegations, as they are prosecuted differently by the Crown Attorney's office.