This inquiry may fall under either family, criminal and / or not excluding civil laws.
Breakdown as follows:

Time frame = July 1996 - July 2000
Location = Oakville / Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Subject = My wife and her ex common law / live in boyfriend

During the stated time frame, my wife was the victim of abuse by her boyfriend at the time. She can recall exact times and dates of each occurrence. Due to the mental strain and beatings, she is now left a frightened woman of 33 years of age.

She and I have been together off and on now for 14 years, married for 6. During the time of this abuse, I was residing approximately 5 hours away with no knowledge of what was going on. It was only in the last few years she began to talk about it.

I am the son of a retired Police Officer and know a little bit of Canadian law, but wish to clarify what the Statute of Limitations are for cases such as these and any loop holes, if any, can be utilized for making this bastard pay for what he has done to my wife.

I am know seeking punitive damages for her mental and physical well being and wish to have the abomination locked up for causing my once strong, bold Angel, to become a scared and meek little mouse.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks.

How many times were the police called out for the abuse. What physcial evidence or how many witnesses are there to prove this in court.
Photos of black eyes, doctor reports of boken bones ?

It depends. In some countries and provinces if it's been longer than 5 years the cops will do nothing. If she filed complaints to them before but withdrew them the cops can do nothing. If she did nothing when it was happening then the cops will not do anything. I know because I too was a victim of common law abuse. I filed complaints and then withdrew my complaint and now they won't do anything about it. It took me some time to get used to men again but now I am in a loving relationship. It took him what seemed like years to get me to trust him. He kept telling me everyday that everything's over and done with and he will never hurt me. Continue talking with her and tell her it's her past. I know it's my past and I never have to deal with that a-hole again. If he pursues her however and starts stalking her or calling to her on the street and what not then go speak with the police right away.