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.



Do I need any other legal assistance if  I decide to lay criminal charges against my abusive 
spouse?

It is important to realize that there is a difference between the criminal justice system and the 
law concerning separation, divorce, custody and support.  Laying criminal charges against an 
abusive spouse is one avenue that is open to you but it does not in any way resolve all the 
other legal challenges that result from the breakup of a family relationship.  You will need to 
think about whether you wish to seek a divorce at this time, about custody of your children, the 
division of your property and financial support for yourself and your children.  A family law 
lawyer can help you with these decisions.