Victims of domestic violence can ask for an Emergency Intervention Order within 48 hours of physical abuse or threats. The order will say the abuser must leave the home and not contact the victim.

• It is not necessary for victims to lay charges — Emergency Intervention Order can be granted without charges laid.
• The three agencies who can apply on the victim’s behalf for an Emergency Intervention Order are police officers, mobile crisis workers, and victim services coordinator. These three groups are expected to apply if the victim requests it, and will call a Justice of the Peace to make an application.
• The Justice of the Peace will give an Emergency Intervention Order if there is immediate risk of harm to the children or the victim.
• Emergency Intervention Order comes into effect as soon as the abuser is notified.
• The Emergency Intervention Order is then forwarded to the court. A Queen’s Bench Judge will either confirm the order, or call for a rehearing.
• Emergency Intervention Order is usually granted for one month, providing the victim time to apply for other longer term protective order such as Restraining Orders or Peace Bonds.
• Victims Assistance Orders can be applied for through a lawyer. They provide the same protection as an Emergency Intervention Order, plus some compensation for things including the victim’s medical bills due to the violence she misses work, or to replace things broken or taken by the abuser.