Domestic Violence & Police Response in Newfoundland and Labrador
What survivors may expect when NL police respond to a domestic violence report.
Understanding Police Involvement and Protective Orders
Police Arrival and Scene Safety
When police respond to a domestic situation, they first assess the safety of everyone present. Their goal is to prevent harm and calm the situation. Officers may separate people to speak individually and gather information about what happened.
The police look for signs of danger or injury and make decisions based on what they observe and hear. Their presence aims to secure the area and ensure no immediate threats remain.
Arrest vs. Release
After evaluating the situation, police decide whether to arrest one or more individuals or to release them. Arrests typically happen if there is evidence of a crime or if there is a risk of harm continuing.
If the police do not find enough evidence or if the situation appears resolved, they may choose not to arrest anyone. Each case is unique and depends on its specific circumstances.
No-Contact Terms
Police may impose no-contact terms when releasing someone involved. This means the person cannot contact or approach the other party. These terms help reduce further conflict and protect those involved while other legal steps are considered.
Emergency Protective Orders (EPOs) and Police Actions
An Emergency Protective Order (EPO) is a temporary legal order that police may assist in enforcing. EPOs can require a person to leave a shared home and stay away from the other person, helping to prevent immediate harm.
When police respond to a call, having an EPO in place may influence their actions, including arrests or enforcement of no-contact rules. EPOs are one of several tools used to support safety in urgent situations.