Offered in Edmonton and Calgary (and surrounding areas), this program is free and there are no eligibility requirements. This means that you do not have to apply for legal aid and/or be granted coverage to access this service.
The Emergency Protection Order Program provides clients with information and lawyers that can help them to obtain and confirm protection orders. These lawyers are staff lawyers that work at the Family Law Office and who attend court on a daily basis to represent clients who have experienced violence in their lives. The EPOP also provides ongoing information, risk management tools, and safety plans to victims of family violence.
What Things Can An Emergency Protection Order Include?
An Emergency Protection Order can:
- Prevent a family member from contacting you and other family members
- Prevent a family member from coming to your home, school, work, or other places.
- Remove a family member from your home
- Seize weapons
What Constitutes As Family Violence?
Family violence can sometimes be difficult to recognize, especially when being victimized by it. Family violence can be any of the following:
- Injury to a family member or damage to property, either of which is intended to intimidate or harm a family member
- Any act or threat that causes a family member to be afraid for their safety or their property and which is intended to intimidate or harm a family member
- Forced confinement
- Sexual abuse
- Stalking
Is there anyone at the courthouse that can help me?
Lawyers at the Family Law Office provide duty counsel service, to assist applicants with the initial application for the Emergency Protection Order in Provincial Court. Please contact your nearest Legal Services Centre for more information on when Duty Counsel is available.