IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, CALL 9-1-1
If you would like to get a protection order or a peace bond, there are free legal options available through YWCA NWT’s Independent Legal Advice & Representation program. It is available for anyone who has experienced family violence and/or sexual violence, across the NWT.
You can contact the coordinator for this program by calling 867-765-8670 or emailing ILAR@ywcanwt.ca.
Protection orders are also meant for situations of family violence, but when there is not immediate risk.
They also last longer than Emergency Protection Orders and can:
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order the abusive person to stay away from you and your children;
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allow you to stay in your home without the abusive person being there;
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order the abusive person to take counselling; and/or
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order the abusive person to pay for any damages that were a result of their violent behaviour.
If you are experiencing violence but do not qualify for an Emergency Protection Order, there are other options to help keep you safe.
These include regular protection orders and peace bonds.
As of July 2026, you can apply for an Emergency Protection Order if you:
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Are or have been in an intimate (dating) relationship with the abusive person;
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Are in a family relationship with the abusive person by blood, marriage, or otherwise considered as family; and/or
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Are in a care relationship with the abusive person, where one person depends on the other due to disability, illness, or aging.
Emergency Protection Orders are legal orders used to protect people from family and intimate partner violence, particularly in situations where there is immediate danger.
They involve a court hearing over the phone with a Justice of the Peace and are often granted within a matter of hours.
Emergency Protection Orders last for up to 90 days and can:
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order the abusive person to stay away from you and your children;
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allow you to stay in your home without the abusive person being there;
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and/or require the RCMP to take away any weapons the abusive person may have.
Emergency Protection
Orders
To request an Emergency Protection Order, you can reach out to either Alison McAteer House or your local RCMP detachment. Staff will help to determine if you qualify and can guide you through the process.
Are you in the Northwest Territories?
YES
You are not eligible for an Emergency Protection Order. You may need to speak to a lawyer for other options.
NO
YES
Staff will ask why you are needing emergency protection. Staff will call the Justice of Peace.
The Justice of Peace will ask what the emergency is. The Justice of Peace will decide if the Emergency Protection Order is granted or denied.
If approved, RCMP will serve abusive person with the Emergency Protection Order.
If denied, Alison McAteer staff will discuss other options and safety plans with you.
Things to Know:
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The Emergency Protection Order is not active until the RCMP provides a copy of the orders to the abusive person.
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Emergency Protection Orders are meant to be short-term, for a maximum of 90 days.
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The abusive person will not be charged unless they break conditions.
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If you want to drop the Emergency Protection Order or make changes to it, you must speak with a lawyer.