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Infographic: Know your rights–Domestic abuse

Published: July 23, 2018

Click here to download image.
Click for a larger version of the infographic
Text by Josephine Li
Design by Loulwa Elali

In Canada, abuse is never tolerated. There are laws in Ontario that protect you against domestic abuse.

What is domestic abuse?

  • Physical
  • Sexual
  • Emotional
  • Financial

Domestic abuse happens between

  • Spouses/partners
  • Parent/caregiver and child
  • Caregiver and family member
  • Family member and elderly person

Examples of domestic abuse

Physical

  • hitting
  • pushing
  • burning
  • pinching
  • punching
  • slapping
  • kicking
  • stabbing
  • cutting

Financial

  • taking your money or paycheck without permission
  • withholding money, so that you can’t pay for things you or your children need, such as food, shelter or medical treatment

Emotional

  • insults or humiliation
  • intimidation
  • harassment or threats
  • criticizing or blaming
  • breaking your things
  • hurting or threatening to hurt family or friends or pets
  • keeping you from seeing your family or friends
  • threatening to take away or hurt your children

Sexual

  • any time someone touches you in a sexual way without your consent
  • continues sexual activity when you asked to stop
  • forces you to commit unsafe or humiliating sexual acts

Abuse can also include controlling you in a way that you’re not able to do things freely. This can include:

  • withholding your passport, identification or other important documents
  • keeping you in your home and not allowing you to leave
  • constantly questioning and monitoring your internet and phone use
  • not allowing you to see your family and friends
  • This form is feedback only.
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Call us toll free at 1‑800‑668‑8258 Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST) for help in over 300 languages.

Current wait time: The CLSC is currently closed.

Wait times: Monday is our busiest day. For faster service, try calling Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Legal Aid Ontario is a safe and respectful space for our clients and employees. Verbal or threats of physical abuse will not be tolerated. Abusive behaviour may result in refusal of service.

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