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Intimate partner violence and information

Information and resources about family violence is available in the following languages:

عربي
(Arabic)

Français
(French)

ਪੰਜਾਬੀ 
(Punjabi)

简体中文 
(Simplified Chinese)

Soomaali 
(Somali)

Español
(Spanish)

ትግሪኛ
(Tigryina)

Cree 
(Cree)

Click on a language to download.

The Edmonton Police Service Domestic Offender Crimes Section is committed to providing investigative and intervention services in select cases where victims are assessed as high risk for serious violence or where offenders are deemed at high risk to re-offend.

Intervention includes further investigation of complex cases or issues not identified in the original file, developing a comprehensive safety plan with the victim, and proactively working with the victim and community agencies to:

  • End the violence;
  • Help the parties involved make appropriate changes in their lives;
  • Work with patrol members in developing appropriate responses to cases of intimate partner violence.


Your Safety Is Important

Create a safety plan for you and your children by talking with a professional such as shelter staff, victim's services, community family violence centres, police. Be sure to involve your children in safety planning such as locations for meeting and hiding places, escape routes, code words, etc. Teach them how to call 911, give your address and how to leave the phone line open.

Involve others (friends, family, neighbours, and co-workers) for support and keep a safety pack (money, clothes, phone, keys, I.D.) somewhere safe where you can access in an emergency.

Violence Is A Crime

It is against the law for a person to assault another person, regardless of their relationship. Family violence may include some or all the following behaviours:

  • Physical abuse.
  • Emotional & psychological abuse.
  • Criminal harassment/stalking.
  • Sexual Abuse; and/or
  • Threats to harm you, your children, family, pets, or property.
  • Economic Abuse


You Are Not Alone

You do not deserve to be abused, it is not your fault, and you are NOT responsible for the actions of others.

Police and other community resources listed on this page can provide you with help, guidance, and support.

If your address changes, make sure you update police so they can contact you about court dates. 

Below is more information on resources and key information you should know if you are in a cycle of intimate partner violence.


Phone numbers you should know

911: Call 911 for all life-threatening situations and crimes in progress.

EPS Non-Emergency: Dial 780-423-4567 or #377 (#377 access only works within City of Edmonton limits)

Family Violence Information Line: Call 780-310-1818 to get help anonymously in more than 170 languages.

Distress Line: Call 780-482-HELP (4357) if you are feeling overwhelmed, experience abuse or are contemplating suicide.

211: Call 211 if you need something to eat, a place to sleep, and/or someone to talk to.

811: Call 811 for 24/7 health advice.

Crisis Response Team (Mental Health): Call the 24/7 support line at 780-424-2424. If you would like to find additional resources, programs, and supports, please see Alberta Health Service’s Addiction and Mental Health web page.

What to expect when you call police

When you call 911

  • Police will be dispatched whether you have a conversation with the 911 operator or not.
  • An Evaluator will attempt to speak with you to gather information if possible.
  • Police will arrive to assess the incident.
  • There maybe a language barrier
  • When the situation is secure, attempts for an interpreter maybe requested
  • Police will interview and collect statements from the Complainant (victim), Witnesses, and then Accused
  • Assess injury to the complainant
  • Gather evidence to determine if an arrest of the accused can be made (ie:take photos of injuries)
  • Safety Plan with the complainant if deemed necessary
  • Police will lay charges if there is grounds to believe an offence of assault has been committed
  • In IPV investigations Police determine if charges are laid, whether the complainant wants to or not.
  • Charges are determined by the evidence gathered by Police
  • Police are not mediators

When you call the EPS non-emergency line

  • You speak to an evaluator who will ask questions to gather information on why Police are needed. Evaluator may or may not speak your language or dialect.
  • Police will attend
  • Police will follow the steps laid out in the Emergency Situation.
Emergency Protection Orders (EPO for Intimate Partner Violence)

Emergency Protection Orders (EPOs) are available when violence, harassment or threatening behaviour occurs between family members. To grant an EPO, the courts must determine that family violence has occurred, the victim has reason the violence will continue the violence and immediate protection of the victim and other family members is required.

You must meet one of the following criteria in order to first qualify as “family members” under the legislation:

  1. Married or have been married.
  2. are or have been adult interdependent partners of one another
  3. related by blood, marriage, or adoption.
  4. are residing or have resided together in an intimate relationship.
  5. Parents of one or more children together
  6. Are children in care of any of the above
  7. Reside together and one has care and control over the other, pursuant to a court order.

** Dating relationships that do not meet one of the above criteria can apply for a restraining order**

NOTE: EPOs are NOT granted automatically even if you qualify to apply.  A Justice (formerly “Provincial Court Judge”), or a Justice of the Peace, of the Alberta Court of Justice will consider your application and decide whether an EPO will be granted at the conclusion of the hearing.       

You can obtain an EPO in person or via email or telephone.

In person:

Edmonton Law Courts, Family & Youth clerks office (located at 1A Sir Winston Churchill Square)

Monday to Friday, between 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Once there you will be directed fill out an EPO application with the assistance of a free Emergency Protection Order Program (“EPOP”) Legal Aid lawyer. You can call EPOP at (780) 422-4730 before attending or if you have any questions.

or

Edmonton Law Courts (99-street entrance) ** look for the Edmonton Hearing Office sign **

Monday to Friday, between 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. or Saturday to Sunday between 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

You will need to call the telephone number posted on the door and a security guard will let you in. Security protocols are in effect including the use of a metal detector.

Email/Telephone:

** Must have photographic identification, access to an email and means to send electronic documents**

** If English is not your primary language, or you do not have any of the above, police may be able to apply on your behalf for an EPO **

Applications will be accepted by the hearing office from Monday to Friday between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Email Hearingoffice.Edmonton@just.gov.ab.ca between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. or Hearingoffice.Calgary@just.gov.ab.ca between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Applications can also be sent to the hearing office 24 hours a day on Saturday, Sunday and on Statutory holidays by emailing Hearingoffice.Calgary@just.gov.ab.ca.

Approved applications:

Once your application has been approved, you will receive a copy of the EPO and information about the free assistance available from Legal Aid’s EPOP on the EPO review date in the Court of King’s Bench. The review date will be on the copy of the EPO you receive. If you wish the EPO to continue beyond the Review Date, you will need to appear on a specified date in person, virtually, or by phone. If attending:

  1. Virtually: click the link here
  2. Phone at 1-780-851-3573 – Access code/Meeting #:187 045 7913
  3. The Hearing Office will also send your EPO to the Edmonton Police Service to effected personal service of the EPO upon the respondent.
  4. You will automatically be assigned duty counsel through Legal Aid. Contact EPOP intake line (780) 422-9222 leaving a voicemail with your name, contact information and review date.
Support Resources

1. Alberta Council of Woman’s Shelters

If you need to speak with someone at a shelter near you, call the toll-free, 24/7 hotline at 1-866-331-3933 or visit the webpage for a list of shelters in your area.

2. Contact Momentum Counselling Services or call 780-757-0900 for information on counselling for men’s and women’s groups.

3. Call Edmonton Police Service Crime and Trauma Informed Support Services – Victim Support and Court Orientation at 780-421-2217 or email ctss@edmontonpolice.ca for intervention and supports.

4. Supports for Albertans Fleeing Abuse

  • Albertans in an abusive situation can receive 24/7 support through Alberta Works Fleeing Abuse Fund by calling 1-866-644-5135 toll free anywhere in Alberta.
  • The Today Family Violence Centre offers a safe, inclusive place for adults of all genders who have been victimized by family violence to get free, confidential, emotional, and practical support. The Today Family Violence Centre team consists of highly trained Family Violence Specialists who can support you and your family to stay safe. The Centre can be reached by phone:780-455-6880 or email info@thetodaycentre.ca

 

5. Resources for Sexual Assault, Elder Abuse and Children Services

  • Alberta Association of Sexual Assault Services - If you have been a victim of sexual assault and need support or assistance, call or text the toll free, 24/7 support line at 1-866-403-8000.
  • Sexual Assault Centre (SACE) can be reached by phone here: 780-423-4102. SACE provides specialized support services for no fee.
  • Saffron Centre in Sherwood Park can be reached by phone here: 780-449-0900. The Centre provides specialized support services on a sliding scale.
  • Sexual Assaults can be reported online through the Edmonton Police Service website here.
  • For resources and information regarding elder abuse, call the 24/7 helpline at 780-454-8888. For reporting and consultations regarding seniors abuse and supports, call the Elder Abuse Intake line during daytime hours at 780-477-2929.
  • Children Services offers a 24-Hour Crisis Unit who can be reached via phone: 780-422-2001 or toll free at 1-800-638-0715.

 

6. Resolution Services provides a first contact to assist Albertans with court process and information to help them resolve their legal issues. The branch can be reached by phone: 780-638-4747 or toll free: 1-855-738-4747. Please keep in mind Resolution Services does not offer:

  • legal advice
  • solutions to legal problems
  • help with making legal applications or advice on what to write for court forms

 

7. Legal Help

  • Legal Aid Alberta can be reached by 780-427-7575 or by visiting www.legalaid.ab.ca (free service)
  • Family Court Counselor can be reached by calling 780-427-8343
  • Court Preparation – Domestic Violence Complainant Assistance Program can be reached at 780-422-0721

 

8. What About Pets?

Pet Safekeeping Program is available by calling 780-447-3600 ext.3750 or by emailing aasap@albertaspca.org.

9.  Residential Tenancies (Safer Spaces for Victims of Domestic Violence) Amendment Act

If you and/or your children are at risk of harm, you can break a rental lease without financial penalty. Contact 310-000 or 780-422-4080 for assistance.

10. Maintenance and Support

The Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) is responsible for enforcing child support and spousal orders by collecting payments and getting payments to the right people. MEP can be reached by calling at 780-422-5555.