Before you arrive: Get to know Canada - What is abuse

Three main types of abuse

Physical abuse

This is any intentional physical contact that causes injury. For example, spanking a child with enough force to cause bruises, or spanking with anything other than an open hand, are forms of abuse. Some cultural practices, such as female circumcision, are also considered physical abuse and are against the law in Canada.

Psychological abuse

This includes terror and humiliation. Although this form of abuse is harder to see, it is taken seriously. Psychological abuse includes non-physical behaviours that hurt people and affect their well-being. For example, if you threaten to harm someone or their children or pets or do not allow someone to see their family or friends, that is considered psychological abuse.

Sexual abuse

This includes any form of sexual contact between an adult and a child under the age of 16 or unwanted sexual contact between two adults.

Neglect

Neglect is another form of abuse. Anyone who fails to protect and provide for a person under their care—whether that person is a child, parent or another adult—is guilty of neglect. The law forbids leaving children under the age of 12 at home without a responsible adult supervising them.

While abusing people under your care is a crime, spousal abuse is also a crime. It is against the law to harm a husband or wife in any way—physically, psychologically or sexually.

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