Section 265(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada states that a person commits an assault when:

• without the consent of another person, he applies force intentionally to that other person, directly or indirectly,
• he attempts or threatens, by an act or gesture, to apply force to another person, if he has, or causes that other person to believe upon reasonable grounds that he has, present ability to effect his purpose; or
• while openly wearing or carrying a weapon or an imitation thereof, he / she accosts or impedes another person or begs.

Section 265(2) of the Criminal Code of Canada states this section applies to all forms of assault, including sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, threats to a third party or causing bodily harm and aggravated sexual assault.