Physical violence is any deliberate action that directly impairs the victim's physical integrity. Physical violence often entails psychological consequences as well.

Below you will find information about some of the infractions included in this category.

• Assault
• Sexual assault
• Robbery

ASSAULT

Assault is when an individual uses or tries to use force against another person without their consent, by:

• physical attack
• the use of a weapon
• the threat of either

Trying or threatening to assault someone is also an infraction if:

• the aggressor is capable of carrying out the assault, or
• it seems likely that the aggressor is capable of carrying out the assault

Advice

• Choose well-lit streets and parking areas.
• Avoid alleyways, especially if you are alone.
• If you are a woman and you have to take the bus after dark, use the Between Stops service offered by the Montréal transit corporation (STM).
• Do not carry weapons like knives to protect yourself, because an aggressor may use them against you.
• If you are attacked, do not resist unless you need to fight for your life.
• If you are assaulted, call 9-1-1.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

Sexual assault is when an individual uses physical or psychological violence for sexual purposes. This type of assault may or may not be accompanied by physical injuries.

The use of threats, force, fraud or a position of authority by the aggressor are determining factors in assessing whether or not a sexual assault has occurred. If the victim obeys the aggressor, the justice system will not necessarily interpret the reaction as consent.

There are different levels of sexual assault: sexual touching, sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault with a weapon.

Advice

This advice is intended to help potential victims reduce the risk of being “victimized.” It is not to place any blame or responsibility on them for the situation, but to point out practical steps they can take to reduce risk.

• Choose well-lit roads and parking areas.
• Avoid alleyways, especially if you are alone.
• If you are a woman and you have to take the bus after dark, use the Between Stops service offered by the Montréal transit corporation (STM).
• Be careful about how much alcohol you and your friends consume when you are out. Avoid drinking too much so you will remain in full possession of your faculties and be able to assess what is going on around you:
  • Remember that the most common “date rape drug” is alcohol
  • The unknown or involuntary ingestion of a substance only factors in a tiny minority of sexual assaults
• Watch your glass at all times – don't turn your eyes away from it for even a few moments.
• Do not accept a drink from a stranger.
• If you are the victim of a sexual assault, whether or not you know your aggressor, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Information and referral helpline for sexual assault victims :
514-933-9007

Robbery is a theft carried out by means of violence, using a weapon, an object, or threats. The violence may take place immediately before or after the theft.

A robber may use violence to commit the theft, for extortion, or to prevent or control resistance to the theft.

Although it is a theft, robbery is handled as a crime against a person, since the victim's physical and psychological integrity is attacked.

Advice

• Choose well-lit streets and parking areas.
• Avoid alleyways.
• If you are a woman and you have to take the bus after dark, use the Between Stops service offered by the Montréal transit corporation (STM).
• Carry very little cash with you.
• Avoid carrying a purse or else carry a small purse tucked under your arm.
• Do not carry your purse over your shoulder.
• Do not wrap the strap of your purse around your wrist – in the event of a robbery, you may be injured.

If you are robbed:

• Do not try to defend yourself: give your money to the thief to reduce the risk of being injured.
• Call 9-1-1 immediately: describe the robber and the robber's escape route.
• If your credit cards are stolen, contact the issuing companies to have them cancelled.

ROBBERY

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