The following National Spousal Abuse FAQs are provided by the Legal Studies Program.

Funded by the Department of Justice Canada.

Warning: 

The contents of these FAQs are intended as general legal information only. If you have
a personal problem, please consult a lawyer.



I can't stand to take any more physical abuse from my spouse and I am determined to get 
help the next time it happens. What should I do the next time it occurs?

You can leave at any time before the next incidence of violence.

If you find yourself in danger of physical abuse again you should call the police immediately 
on 911. State that it is an emergency for which you require immediate assistance. Some family 
law counsellors suggest you should not tell the operator that it is a domestic violence situation, 
but just tell them that you require help right away.