Are you experiencing violence from your partner, your ex-spouse or someone else? Be aware that the law provides for various ways to help you and ensure your protection.
Your safety is paramount
Need help quickly?
Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest police station.
Protection order
Do you fear for your life, your health or your safety? You may need a protection order to impose strict restrictions on your aggressor. If these restrictions are violated, it constitutes a criminal offence. The police may then take the necessary measures to enforce compliance with the established restrictions.
To obtain a protection order, you must apply to the court. You do not have to file an official complaint against your aggressor or prove their guilt.
The role of your employer
Threats over the phone, unannounced and inappropriate visits, insults directed at you during conversations with your colleagues, etc. If the abuse persists while you are at work, your employer has a role to play. When they learn that you are exposed to violence, they can, for example:
- Offer you a schedule better suited to your situation.
- Allow you to work from the office or elsewhere if you are working remotely.
- Install security cameras and control access to your workplace.
- Provide you with a confidential phone number.
- Offer to accompany you to your car at the end of the day.
When you need to move…
Is a situation involving violence forcing you to leave your home? You may be eligible for reimbursement of moving expenses. Visit the website of the Direction générale de l’indemnisation des victimes d’actes criminels (IVAC) to learn more.
If you are a tenant, please note that you may terminate your lease without penalty. It will end a few weeks after sending the notice along with an attestation from a public officer (e.g., prosecutor from the Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales). During this period, you may have to pay rent, even if you have moved out. Be sure to contact IVAC. Depending on your situation, they may agree to reimburse you.
Are you a victim of spousal violence and do not know where to go? Shelters and support centres are available to you and your children throughout Québec. Find one in your region.
Filing a complaint… with support
Are you thinking of filing a complaint against your aggressor? Various resources are available to help you prepare and support you throughout the process. For example:
- The DPCP spousal and sexual violence helpline allows you to ask all your questions to a lawyer. Call 1-877-547-3727. It’s free and confidential.
- The Rebâtir program gives you access to four hours of free legal consultation.
- Crime victim assistance centres (CAVACs) can offer you information and support services based on your needs.
- The specialized court can support you throughout your legal proceedings.
If you are ready to file a complaint, please contact your police service.
Apply for compensation
The law provides for financial assistance for victims of criminal offences. Submit your application to IVAC.
Violence related to the sharing of intimate images
Has someone shared intimate images of you without your consent or are they planning to do so? Follow the procedure to obtain an order to quickly prevent or stop the dissemination of the images. A judge will urgently process your request.
For more details on the measures to prevent the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, visit Quebec.ca.
Dissatisfied with the services you received?
If you are not satisfied with the public services you have received, legal options are available to you.
- Legal aid services
Contact the legal aid office in question. - Police services
Contact your municipal police service or the Commissaire à la déontologie policière (Police Ethics Commissioner). - Services falling under the jurisdiction of the Ministère de la Justice, IVAC or another Gouvernement du Québec agency
Contact the Protecteur du citoyen. Our services are free and confidential.
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