Domestic Violence & Police Response in Ontario
What survivors may expect when Ontario police respond to an intimate partner violence call.
What Happens When Police Respond to Relationship Abuse
When Police First Arrive
Police responses can look different depending on the province or territory, the community, and the specific situation. The steps below describe common patterns, not a promise of what will happen.
- They try to make the scene safe. Police usually separate the people involved, move others (including children) to another area if needed, and check for weapons.
- They check for injuries. They may ask if anyone is hurt, needs an ambulance, or has medical needs that are not visible.
- They ask basic questions. Officers often speak to each person separately about what happened, when it started, and whether there were previous incidents.
- They may speak to witnesses. This can include neighbours, family members, or anyone else who saw or heard something.
- They look for signs of a crime. For example: visible injuries, broken items, damaged doors, threatening messages, or weapons.
- They check identity and history. Police may ask for names, dates of birth, ID, and may check their system for past calls or orders like peace bonds or protection orders.
Understanding “Mandatory Charge” Policies
Across Canada, criminal law is federal, but police policies are set locally. Many police services follow a “mandatory” or “pro-charge” approach in relationship abuse cases.
- What it usually means: If police believe a crime has likely been committed (for example, assault, threats, mischief, harassment), they are expected to lay charges against the person they believe was the main aggressor, even if the other person does not want charges.
- Police decide, not the person harmed. The decision to charge is based on what officers see and hear, along with any evidence, not on whether someone wants the other person charged.
- Evidence they may use: injuries, damage, witness statements, past calls, recordings or messages, and what each person says.
- Arrest is common, but not guaranteed. In many relationship abuse cases, if charges are laid, the person accused is arrested at the scene or shortly after. In some situations, they may be given a promise to appear later.
What Happens After an Arrest
If someone is arrested in a relationship abuse case, a few different things can happen next, depending on the province or territory, local policies, and the facts of the case.
- Held for a bail hearing. The person accused may be kept in custody and brought before a judge or justice of the peace, usually within 24 hours, for a decision about release and conditions.
- Released from the station. In some situations, police may release the person from the station with paperwork that sets out charges and conditions.
- No-contact or other conditions. Release almost always comes with written conditions about what the person can and cannot do until the case is finished.
Common Release and No-Contact Conditions
Release terms are rules the person accused must follow while their case is in the system. They are written on documents like an undertaking, recognizance, or bail order. Wording and forms vary by region, but common conditions include:
- No contact with certain people. This often means no direct or indirect contact with the person named (and sometimes children or other family members), including:
- no phone calls or texts
- no emails or social media messages
- no in‑person visits, even “just to talk”
- no asking others to pass messages on their behalf
- No-go zones. The order may say the person cannot go to specific places, such as a home, workplace, school, or neighbourhood.
- Living arrangements. The person accused may be ordered not to return to the shared home, even if their name is on the lease or title.
- Weapons and substance rules. Conditions may include not having weapons and sometimes not drinking alcohol or using drugs.
- Reporting rules. In some situations, the person must report to a police station at set times.
How Police Reports Connect to Court Processes
Once police lay charges, the situation usually moves into the criminal court system. The main steps often include:
- Creating a police report. Officers record what they saw and heard, who they spoke to, and any evidence collected. This can include photos, medical information, and copies of messages.
- Sending the file to Crown prosecutors. In criminal cases, the Crown (government lawyer) reviews the police report and decides how to proceed with the charges.
- First court appearance. The person accused must attend court on the date on their paperwork. This is usually not a trial date, but a check‑in to see what will happen next.
- Ongoing contact from the system. A victim services worker or court-based support program may contact the person harmed to explain the process, ask about safety needs, and help share information with the Crown.
- Using the police report as evidence. Parts of the report, statements, and collected evidence may later be used in court, subject to the rules of evidence and the judge’s decisions.
Things to Keep in Mind About Safety and Support
Police involvement can change living arrangements, finances, immigration pathways, and parenting situations. These changes can bring both safety and new stress. Community-based supports can sometimes help explain options and plan for safety around these changes.
Additional support options across Canada, including information about local shelters, legal clinics, and newcomer‑focused services, can be found through resources listed at DV.Support.
If You Are Unsure What to Do
It is common to feel uncertain about calling police or about what may happen after they are involved. Some people speak first with:
- a local community organization or settlement service
- a legal clinic or duty counsel office at the courthouse
- a victim services program connected to police or the courts
These services may help explain common patterns in your area, without telling you what to do.