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Assault

What Is Assault?

Under the section 265 of the Canada Criminal Code, a person commits an assault when

  1. Without the consent of another person, he applies force intentionally to that other person, directly or indirectly;
  2. He attempts or threatens, by an act or a gesture, to apply force to another person, if he has, or causes that other person to believe on a reasonable grounds that he has, present ability to effect his purposes; or
  3. While openly wearing or carrying a weapon or an imitation thereof, he accosts or impedes another person or begs

What should you do if you witness an assault or you are the victim?

  • If the assault is still happening or it just happened within a short period of time (e.g., 5-15 minutes ago).
    • Call 911 immediately.
    • Follow the 911 call taker’s instructions.
    • Provide important information. E.g., the direction where perpetrator is heading, the description of the perpetrator, the location of the assault, etc.
  • If the assault already happened after a long period of time (etc. after a few hours, a few days, or months).
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