Overview
Civil claims involving intimate partner violence
Family violence can raise different legal questions: immediate protection, parenting arrangements, and whether a civil claim for compensation is available. These remedies have different purposes. Obtaining one does not automatically establish entitlement to another.
In Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, 2026 SCC 16, the Supreme Court of Canada recognized the tort of intimate partner violence. The May 2026 decision addresses intentional abusive conduct during or after an intimate relationship that amounts to coercive control when viewed in context. It is not limited to individual incidents of physical violence, and it does not make every difficult relationship or disagreement a compensation claim.
Sinclair Centre Law can discuss whether a civil claim may be available, how it relates to existing family proceedings, and the practical considerations involved in taking legal action. An initial conversation should identify the broad nature of the issue, any urgent date, and a safe way to contact you. Please do not send a detailed account or confidential documents through the website form.
Read the Supreme Court of Canada’s summary of Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia
How we can assist
- Assessing potential civil claims involving intimate partner violence and coercive control
- Reviewing evidence, possible remedies and the practical costs of a claim
- Advice on family-law protection orders and urgent applications where appropriate
- Parenting arrangements that take safety concerns into account
- Coordinating civil-claim advice with existing separation or divorce proceedings
Safety and first contact
- Call 911 if anyone is in immediate danger. This website and its form are not emergency services.
- Use a safe device and contact method if communications may be monitored. Tell the office whether it is safe to leave a voicemail or email.
- Do not put yourself at risk to collect evidence. Keep existing records safely and discuss further steps with a lawyer.
- Civil compensation, protection orders and criminal proceedings serve different purposes. This page concerns civil and family-law advice, not criminal defence.
Assessing the next step
Identify safety concerns and urgent dates
Explain the broad issue and any existing proceedings or orders. We discuss a safe way to communicate and whether an urgent legal step needs to be considered.
Review the facts and available records
A lawyer considers the chronology, relevant records and possible legal basis for a claim. Not every harmful experience meets the requirements of a particular remedy.
Compare the options and practical costs
Discuss the work, likely costs, evidence gaps and available processes before deciding whether to negotiate, bring an application or pursue a civil action. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Questions about civil claims and protection
What is the new tort of intimate partner violence?
It is a civil basis for claiming damages recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada in Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, 2026 SCC 16. Its focus is coercive control in an intimate relationship, including conduct after separation. A lawyer must assess the facts and evidence; compensation is not automatic.
Is a compensation claim the same as a protection order?
No. A civil damages claim seeks compensation, while a protection order addresses safety. The requirements and court processes differ. Discuss which remedy is relevant, and whether separate proceedings or urgent measures need to be considered.
What should I provide when I first contact the firm?
Start with the general nature of the matter, any court date or other urgent deadline, and a safe way to reach you. Tell us if messages or emails could create a safety risk. Wait until the firm confirms it can act before sending confidential records or a detailed account.