If you know someone (or are someone) who is in an abusive relationship, knowing your legal rights is important. This handbook may be a good place to start: “Do you know a woman who is being abused? A legal rights handbook” from CLEO (Community and Legal Action Ontario.
You should also consider calling your local Community Resource Centre to seek their assistance and advice.
Many people are also unaware of services like “Shelter Movers” who will move furniture and belongings of women and children who are escaping domestic violence, and of organizations like “Safe Pet Ottawa” who will foster your pets if you need them to be safe as well.