Battery is the criminal offense whereby one party makes physical contact with another party with the intention to harm them. In order to constitute battery, an offense must be intentional and must be committed to inflict injury on another. Battery is different from a similar offense called assault. An assault is any attempt to threaten or attack another party. Physical contact is not required to constitute an assault.

The difference between battery as a crime and battery as a civil tort is merely in the type of intent required. A criminal battery requires the presence of mens rea, or a criminal intent to do wrong, i.e., to cause a harmful or offensive contact. Accordingly, a defendant found guilty of the crime of battery is often sued by the defendant in a civil action for the same offense/incident.

Punishment for battery generally.

Two separate offenses against the person that when used in one expression may be defined as any unlawful and unpermitted touching of another. Assault is an act that creates an apprehension in another of an imminent, harmful, or offensive contact. The act consists of a threat of harm accompanied by an apparent, present ability to carry out the threat. Battery is a harmful or offensive touching of another.

The offense of battery occurs when a person: 1. Actually and intentionally touches or strikes another person against the will of the other; or 2. Intentionally causes bodily harm to another person.

More and more people are travelling, living or studying abroad and are therefore potential victims of crimes committed in a country other than their own. In May 1999, the European Commission adopted a communication entitled 'Crime victims in the European Union - standards and action' to improve access to justice for victims of crime in the European Union and to protect their rights. This communication deals with the prevention of victimisation, assistance to victims, the standing of victims in the criminal procedure and compensation. On 15 March 2001, the Council adopted a Framework Decision on the standing of victims in criminal proceedings with a view to harmonising basic rights for victims of crime within the all territory of the EU.

Assault and Battery are two different offences of common law. An assault is - "any act by which a person intentionally or recklessly causes another person to apprehend immediate and unlawful ad personal violence." And a battery is - "any act by which a person, intentionally or recklessly inflicts unlawful personal violence upon another person."

Battery or the commission of similar violent actions, which have caused physical pain but not involved the consequences referred to in Article 115 of this Code, shall be punishable by a fine in the amount of up to 100 minimum wages, or in the amount of the wages or salary or any other income of the convicted person for month, or by compulsory works for a period of time from 120 to 180 hours, or by corrective labour for a term of up to six months, or by arrest for a term of up to three months.

Founded as the first law center in the nation dedicated solely to serving the legal needs of sexual assault victims, the Victim Rights Law Center Advocates for sexual assault victims’ legal rights within the civil, academic and criminal justice systems. We not only give survivors the free legal services they need, but also work to make the legal system a more accessible and just system.

Ottawa Victim Services (OVS) provides emotional support, practical assistance, referrals and advocacy to individuals who have been victimized as a result of a crime or tragic circumstance, without judgment in order to lessen the impact of victimization. OVS is a community-based agency committed to treating individuals with courtesy, compassion and with respect for their dignity, privacy and diversity.

Every person is unique, but when you face a challenge like being a victim of assault and battery, you are never alone. Countless men, women and children have faced the exact same incident and have survived and thrived. The following guide is designed to help you navigate your journey with the best information and resources that helped other survivors when they faced the same challenge.

Battered Woman Syndrome (BWS) is a collection of psychological symptoms, often considered a subcategory of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and can be measured by a trained mental health professional.

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