What Might Happen to the Abuser?
If the police have reason to believe you have been assaulted, police could charge the abuser. You will have to tell the police about the abuse. The police may arrest the abuser, if they think there are grounds to do so. If the abuser is arrested, he could spend a few hours in jail until his appearance in court.

If the abuser pleads guilty or if the court finds the abuser guilty, he could be sentenced with a fine, probation (such as counselling), time in jail, or a combination of these things. Jail sentences are rare, especially if this is his first time in court, so in many cases the abuser will be allowed to leave the court.

If the abuser says he is not guilty, you will have to be a witness at his trial. It may be several months before the trial starts. You can ask the Crown attorney if there are victim services in the province to help you and to explain the court process to you.

If you are afraid for your safety, tell the police before the abuser is let go. The court may set conditions for his release, such as an order that the abuser cannot call or see you. If the abuser does not obey the conditions, the police can arrest him again. If you are afraid he will hurt you when he is released, you may want to find a safe place to stay, like a women's shelter.

If the abuser is a Canadian citizen, he cannot be deported.

If the abuser is a refugee or a permanent resident, he could be deported if a court convicts him of assault or another criminal offence. The deportation process could take a long time.

If your sponsor stops supporting you and you need to apply for welfare or social assistance, your sponsor could be in trouble. You, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and the provincial government, could sue them for the money needed to support you. Another serious consequence is that your sponsor will not be allowed to sponsor other family members in the future unless they pay back all the money welfare gave you.