Family Violence
Consultation
As part of the Protection Against Family Violence Act implementation process, the GNWT is meeting with people whose work brings them in contact with victims of family violence. We are providing information on the Act and asking for feedback on the process to apply for an Emergency Protection Order. In particular, we are asking:
- Is it easy to understand?
- Is the application process simple enough?
- How does it work in their community?
- What is the main strength of the process?
- What is the most problematic part? Why?
- How would you improve the process?
- What would be the best way to educate your community
The GNWT also wants to know what you think about the process to apply for and Emergency Protection Order and is interested in your suggestions on how best to educate people in the NWT about the new Protection Against Family Violence Act.
Please send comments/suggestions to:
Rebecca Latour
Family Violence Legislation Implementation Coordinator
Policy and Planning
Department of Justice
Government of the Northwest Territories
Box 1320
Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Phone: (867) 920-3288
Fax: (867) 873-0659
How to Apply for an Emergency Protection Order
The goal of an Emergency Protection Order is to protect a person from family violence.
Step One: Contact the RCMP or call 1-866-223-7775, 24 hours a day – 7 days a week and ask for help.
Step Two: You will be asked some questions to make sure you are eligible under the Act to apply for an Emergency Protection Order.
Step Three: After you give permission to the RCMP or Family Violence Counselor to apply for an Emergency Protection Order on your behalf, they will, with the information you give them, complete the application and phone it to a designated Justice of the Peace.
Step Four: If the Justice of the Peace grants the application, you will get a copy of the order. It will also be served on the person who you fear (the respondent). The order explains the details. For example, it may say the respondent cannot come near you, your home, workplace or children.
If the Justice of the Peace doesn’t grant the order, other options and safety planning will be discussed with you.
Step Five: The order will be sent to the police so they can enforce it if necessary and to the Supreme Court so they can make sure it’s fair and reasonable. It is important that you call the police if the respondent ignores the order.
The Emergency Protection Order is a short-term solution and will give you some safe time to make longer-term plans around safety for you, your children and the relationship.
In addition to this short-term solution, you will also be able to apply for a longer term Protection Order. If you live in or near a community that has a Court House, you will be able to go there during business hours and make an application in person.
