Domestic Violence & Police Response in the Northwest Territories
What survivors may expect when NWT police respond to domestic violence situations.
What Happens When Police Arrive in Domestic Violence Situations
Police Arrival Steps
When police are called to a domestic violence situation, they first aim to make sure everyone is safe and to understand what has happened. They listen to all parties involved, ask questions, and gather information. Officers look for evidence or signs of harm, and check if anyone needs medical help. Their goal is to assess the situation calmly and clearly.
Arrest vs Release Decisions
After evaluating the situation, police decide if an arrest is appropriate or if the parties can be separated without arrest. An arrest usually happens when there is evidence of a crime or when laws have been broken. Sometimes, if there isn’t enough evidence or if the situation doesn’t meet arrest criteria, the involved persons may be released. This decision depends on local laws and the specific details the officers find during their investigation.
No-Contact Terms
Police may issue no-contact terms to help keep parties apart. These are instructions that one person must avoid any kind of contact with the other, which can include staying away from their home, work, or school. No-contact terms aim to reduce the chance of further harm or conflict while other steps, like court orders, may be considered.
Emergency Protective Orders (EPO) and Police Procedures
Emergency Protective Orders (EPOs) are temporary orders that police can help enforce to provide immediate protection. When an EPO is in place, police check to make sure it is followed. They may remove a person from the home or prevent contact with the protected individual as directed by the order. EPOs usually last a short time until a court can review the case further.