Peace Bonds

Peace bonds don’t require you to have a family relationship with the respondent; you can apply for one against anyone who you believe is a threat to your safety. They typically last for up to a year. Similar to a protection order, you need to go to court to get a peace bond.

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.

You will need to hire a lawyer and go to court for a protection order. If granted, the order will last as long as the judge decides.

To learn more about Emergency Protection Orders and protection orders

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:

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.

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.

In order to obtain an Emergency Protection Order, the Justice of the Peace must be able to determine that there is a family relationship

Emergency Protection Orders are legal orders used to protect people from family 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:

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.

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.

You are not eligible for an Emergency Protection Order. You may need to speak to a lawyer for other options.

NO

Are you in the Northwest Territories?

YES

Are you in a family relation ship with the abusive person?
OR
Are you the parent or grandparent of the abusive person?
OR
Do you have a child with abusive person?
OR
Is the abusive person your spouse or former spouse?

YES

Staff will ask why you are needing emergency protection. Staff will call the Justice of Peace.

Call Alison McAteer House at 1-866-223-7775

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 denied, Alison McAteer staff will discuss other options and safety plans with you

If approved, RCMP will serve abusive person with the emergency protetion order

Things to Know:

The Emergency Protection Order is not active until the RCMP provides a copy of the orders to the abusive person.
Emergency Protection Order's are meant to be short-term, for a maximum of 90 days.
The abusive person will not be charged unless they break conditions.
If you want to drop the Emergency Protection Order or make changes to it, you must speak with a lawyer.