In a recent Ontario case, a husband was ordered to pay to his wife $65,000 in general and aggravated damages. Specifically, Justice Blishen ordered the husband to pay his wife $15,000 for aggravated damages and $50,000 for pain and suffering. This is one of the highest financial awards ordered for spousal abuse in Canada. Justice Blishen also awarded further damages for competitive damage and future care costs. In this case, the husband “violently ejected” the wife from the matrimonial home during an argument. The husband denied the claims and was acquitted at his 2008 criminal trial. However, Justice Blishen found that on the balance of probabilities, the assault did occur.
This case sends a strong message that judges are taking spousal abuse issues seriously.
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