Colenutt v. Colenutt: Tort Claims, Harassment, and Familial Violence in Alberta

Colenutt v. Colenutt confronts how Alberta tort law applies to ongoing harmful conduct inside an intimate relationship, including assault, battery, intentional infliction of mental suffering, and harassment.

The Court's analysis underscores that civil remedies can run parallel to family law proceedings — and that damages may be available even where criminal charges are not pursued.

For victims of familial violence, the case opens an important avenue: civil claims that recognize the cumulative harm of a pattern of conduct, rather than isolated incidents.

We act for plaintiffs and defendants in civil claims arising from intimate-partner conduct. Early advice is critical given limitation periods and evidentiary issues.