The law describes court orders that order the person causing harm to stay away.
If you are experiencing domestic violence (physical, mental, social, emotional, sexual), you may be able to get a no contact order (also called a protection order) against the person causing harm. This is a court order preventing the person causing harm from seeing or contacting you.
In Alberta, there are different kinds of no contact orders, depending on your situation.
Which order is right for you?
Is the person causing harm a family member? Is the situation urgent or an emergency?
If yes, read the Emergency Protection Orders (EPO) page to learn more. You can get an EPO 24 hours a day, seven days a week without notifying the other person you are doing so.
Is the person causing harm a family member? But the situation is not urgent?
If yes, read the King’s Bench Protection Orders (KBPO) page to learn more. You will have to give notice to the other person before the court date for getting the KBPO.
Are you not eligible for an EPO or KBPO but want the person causing harm to stay away from you?
If yes, read the Restraining Orders page to learn more. You can get a restraining order in emergency and non-emergency situations against anyone, regardless of their relationship to you. For example, the person may be a roommate or intimate partner you do not live with.
Do you want the right to live in the family home (exclusive possession) without the person causing harm?
If yes, read the Exclusive Possession Orders page to learn more. You can also get exclusive possession of the home in an EPO or KBPO.
Is the person causing harm facing charges?
If yes, read the Peace Bonds page and Going to the Police page to learn more. Peace bonds are a form of protection order. But they can take a long time to get and so may not be a good option if you need help right away.
