Protection orders

A judge can order a violent person to stay away from you. Depending on your situation, you can ask the court for a protection order, an emergency protection order, a restraining order, a peace bond, or a “no contact” condition.

A protection order can help victims in situations where there is family violence but no immediate danger. These orders can last a long time and:

• order the abusive person to stay away from you and your children;
• allow you to stay in your home without the abusive person being there;
• order the abusive person to take counselling; and/or
• order the abusive person to pay for any damages that were a result of their violent behaviour.

To apply for a protection order, contact your local court worker, local Victim Services worker, Legal Aid or your lawyer. It usually takes a few weeks to get a protection order - often it makes sense to apply for an emergency protection order first.

Emergency Protection Orders

An emergency protection order (EPO) is a legal order that provides emergency protection to victims of family violence. An EPO provides emergency protection that lasts up to 90 days, and can:

• order the abusive person to stay away from you and your children;
• allow you to stay in your home without the abusive person being there; and/or
• require the RCMP to take away any weapons the abusive person may have.

If you are a victim of family violence, you can apply for an emergency protection order at any time by contacting your local RCMP detachment, or by calling YWCA Alison McAteer house. The RCMP and counsellors at the YWCA Alison McAteer House are designated and trained to assist you with applying for emergency protection orders.