Ontario's Domestic Violence Court (DVC) program is the most extensive DVC program in Canada. It facilitates the prosecution of domestic assault cases and early intervention in abusive domestic situations, provides better support to victims and increases offender accountability.

In a DVC program, teams of specialized personnel, including police, Crown attorneys, Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) staff, probation services, Partner Assault Response (PAR) program staff and community agencies, work together to ensure priority is given to the safety and needs of domestic assault victims and their children.

An operational DVC includes the following components:

• A Domestic Violence Court Advisory Committee
• Specially trained domestic violence Crowns, VWAP staff, and interpreters
• Specialized evidence collection and investigation procedures by police
• Case management procedures to coordinate prosecutions and ensure early intervention
• A Partner Assault Response intervention program
• Expanded training for police, Crowns, VWAP staff, court staff, Probation and Parole staff, and interpreters

There is now a Domestic Violence Court Program in each of the province’s 54 court jurisdictions.

Spousal abuse is a tragedy that affects everyone in our society. Click here for information that may assist individuals in abusive situations, their families, close friends, and answer questions about domestic violence.

You can also call the Victim Support Line toll-free at 1-888-579-2888 or 416-314-2447 in the Toronto area.

The Assaulted Women's Helpline is a toll-free crisis telephone service operating province-wide 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Interpreters in 154 languages are available to respond to callers.  Phone 1-866-863-0511 or 416-863-0511 in the Toronto area.   TTY is available by calling 1-866-863-7868.

Please note that this resource is not intended as a replacement to emergency assistance or to offer legal advice. If this is an emergency or you are afraid for your life, call 911 or your local police service.