Discovering or suspecting that your partner is harming your child is heartbreaking and terrifying. You may feel torn between fear, guilt, and urgency. But you are not alone—and Ontario law is on your side.

Here’s what you need to know to protect your child and take legal action safely.

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• In Ontario, every adult has a legal duty to report suspected child abuse to a Children’s Aid Society (CAS)

• This duty applies even if you are not 100% sure—you only need reasonable grounds to suspect abuse

• Failure to report can result in legal consequences

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• Call your local Children’s Aid Society (CAS) directly

  • You can find the right number at ontario.ca/page/childrens-aid-societies

• You can also call 911 if your child is in immediate danger

• Reports can be made anonymously, but it's often helpful to speak as a parent

• The Assaulted Women’s Helpline (1-866-863-0511) can support you in making the report safely

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• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries

• Extreme fearfulness or anxiety around the partner

• Regressive behavior (e.g., bedwetting, thumb sucking)

• Sexualized behavior or language inappropriate for age

• Sudden withdrawal, aggression, or nightmares

• Disclosure: If your child says something happened—believe them

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• You can request an Emergency Protection Order or Interim Custody Order in family court

• The abusive partner can be ordered:

  • To stay away from the child

  • To vacate the home

  • To have no contact unless supervised

• File for a restraining order or exclusive possession of the home if needed

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• Apply for sole custody if the other parent is a danger

• File a motion to change parenting arrangements immediately

• Ask for supervised visitation only or suspension of access

• Consult Legal Aid Ontario or a Family Court Support Worker for help

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• Reassure: “I believe you. This is not your fault.”

• Keep routines predictable and safe

• Allow them to express fear, confusion, or anger

• Get trauma-informed counselling for your child

• Don’t pressure them to forgive or forget

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• ✅ You are legally required to report suspected abuse to CAS

• ✅ Immediate safety is the priority—call 911 if necessary

• ✅ There are legal tools to protect your child and keep your partner away

• ✅ Believe your child, even if it’s painful to hear

• ✅ Help is available—you don’t have to face this alone

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• Children’s Aid Society (CAS) – Find your local office: 1-800-718-3850

• Assaulted Women’s Helpline – 1-866-863-0511

• Family Court Support Worker Program – Help filing motions and court navigation

• Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre – Child trauma and legal support

• Legal Aid Ontario – 1-800-668-8258 for custody and protection orders

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You still have a legal duty to report it. The standard in Ontario is not proof; it is "reasonable grounds to suspect." You should report your suspicions to the Children's Aid Society (CAS). It is their job to investigate the concerns, not yours.

No. When you report the abuse and take steps to protect your child from your partner, you are acting as a protective parent. The goal of CAS is to ensure the child is safe, and their primary objective is to keep the child with the safe, non-offending parent whenever possible.

If you have an existing family court case, you should immediately file an urgent motion to change the parenting order. You can provide the court with any new information about the abuse and ask a judge to suspend or order supervised access for the abusive parent.

Yes. The criminal court and family court are separate systems. The criminal court will deal with the charges against your partner, but the family court is where you get orders for custody, access, and restraining orders to ensure your child's long-term safety and well-being.

This is a very serious and valid fear. Before you make the report, call a women's shelter or the Assaulted Women's Helpline (1-866-863-0511). They will help you create a safety plan for yourself and your child for the time during and after you make the report to CAS or the police.

You must go to your local family courthouse to file for an Emergency Protection Order or an urgent motion for interim custody. Staff at the courthouse or a local women's shelter can help you find the right forms and navigate the process.