Is it a Crime to Catcall Someone?

“Catcalling” typically refers to the behaviour where one person makes a sexual advance towards another person openly and loudly in a public area. It is defined as making a whistle, shout, or comment of a sexual nature to a woman passing by. 

This behaviour is not explicitly prohibited by law in Canada. However, depending on the conduct employed by the advancer to “catcall”, there is a section in the Criminal Code of Canada under which they may be charged. As such, it is possible for someone to be charged with Criminal Harassment for “catcalling”. Criminal Harassment is found in section 264(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Criminal Harassment in Canada

No person shall, without lawful authority and knowing that another person is harassed or recklessly as to whether the other person is harassed, engage in conduct referred to in subsection (2) that causes that other person reasonably, in all the circumstances, to fear for their safety or the safety of anyone known to them. This is found in Section 264(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada under Criminal Harassment.

What is Considered Prohibited Conduct?

The conduct referred to in Section 264(1) consists of various actions. These include repeatedly following from place to place the other person or anyone known to them, and repeatedly communicating with, either directly or indirectly, the other person or anyone known to them. It could also encompass besetting or watching the dwelling-house, or place where the other person, or anyone known to them, resides, works, carries on business or happens to be. 

Another banned action is engaging in threatening conduct directed at the other person or any member of their family. If anyone were made to feel unsafe by the advancements of another person, it is conceivable that they could be charged with the criminal offence of Criminal Harassment, based on the following criteria: 

1. The target must feel harassed by the conduct.

2. The accused must know or ought to know that the target feels harassed by their conduct.

3. The accused’s conduct must be one of the acts listed in the section. This can include repeatedly following the target, repeatedly communicating with the target, besetting or watching places where the target frequents, or threatening the target or someone the target knows.

4. Lastly, the target of the conduct must have a reasonable fear for their safety or the safety of someone they know.

If the Crown were successful at proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Criminal Harassment was perpetrated by the accused and the accused were convicted of Criminal Harassment, the accused could potentially face a maximum sentence of up to ten years imprisonment.

Accused of Harassment? Get the Legal Defence You Need

While catcalling itself is not explicitly illegal in Canada, it can lead to criminal harassment charges if it causes fear or distress. Harassment can include repeated unwanted communication, following someone, or making them feel unsafe, and a conviction carries serious penalties, including up to ten years in prison.

If you are facing harassment or related charges, it is crucial to secure experienced legal representation. Our Toronto defence lawyers will assess your case, build a strong defence, and work to protect your rights. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.