If you have been charged with a charge of assault of any nature, your first step should be to consult with a lawyer. The Criminal Code does not distinguish between domestic and non-domestic charges. The police and prosecutors, however, have determined that offences committed within the context of a relationship are aggravating in nature and need to be treated severely.

The punishment for a charge of domestic assault ranges from a period of probation which is usually accompanied by a condition to undergo counselling for anger management, to a period of time in jail. If the victim has sustained injuries as a result of the assault, or if a weapon was used during the assault, the court will likely impose a term of imprisonment followed by a period of probation.