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.



One of the reasons that I left my spouse was because he  was aggressive and sometimes 
violent. Is this significant if I make a complaint to the police about him following me?

Yes, this fact could be very significant. In order to prove an offence of criminal harassment you 
have to show that your fears are reasonable. This means having a fear for which there is a 
reason. As your relationship had violent episodes you probably have a good reason to fear 
further contact with your husband. When you report this matter to the police you should make 
sure they know these significant details about your relationship.