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Family Abuse Support Program

The Family Abuse Intervention Act (FAIA) came into force in 2008. The intent of this law is to provide Nunavummiut with tools to holistically intervene and prevent various forms of family abuse by focusing on the immediate need for safety, with simple and efficient processes that are consistent with Inuit values. The spirit and intent of FAIA is to prevent and de-escalate situations of abuse.

Under FAIA, four remedies are available:

  • Emergency Protection Orders (EPOs)
  • Community Intervention Orders (CIOs)
  • Assistance Orders
  • Compensation Orders

The Community Justice Division’s Family Abuse Support Program is responsible for ensuring that Nunavummiut can access these orders in each community across Nunavut. Community Justice Outreach Workers (CJOWs) and Community Justice Specialists are responsible for the assistance and support of these remedies, focusing on EPOs and CIOs.

 

Emergency Protection Orders

Emergency Protection Orders (EPOs) are civil court orders that provide protection to individuals and families from abuse in emergency situations.

Applications for an EPO are made to a Justice of the Peace, who may order remedies including:

  • temporary removal of the abusive person from the family home
  • that the abusive person not threaten or harass you or other family members
  • that the abusive person have no direct or indirect contact with you or other family members, such as by staying away from the family home or your workplace
  • providing you temporary custody of your children
  • temporary protection of your property and personal belongings

Community Justice Outreach Workers (CJOWs) can assist applicants with the EPO process.

Applicants and respondents must be 14 years of age or older.

 

Community Intervention Orders

Community Intervention Orders (CIOs) are civil court orders that include counselling to address unhealthy and potentially abusive behaviours where a family relationship exists. Counsellors, including Elders, are identified and a plan is put into place to address the underlying issues.

 

 

 

Peace Bonds / No Contact Orders

Community Justice Outreach Workers can also assist with applications for a Peace Bond.

Peace Bonds are a type of court order that can require a person to “keep the peace and be of good behaviour” and impose conditions such as not to contact you or your children or come near your home or workplace. Unlike EPOs and CIOs, no family relationship is necessary to apply for a Peace Bond.

 

For Assistance

Help is available for family abuse in every community in Nunavut.

If you are a facing abuse or harassment, you can contact your local RCMP detachment.

For information on your local RCMP detachment, visit:

https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/detach/en/find/NU#wb-cont

You can also contact your local Community Justice Outreach Worker for help to apply for an EPO, CIO or for more information about options available for dealing with situations of abuse and harassment. Confidential help is available in English and Inuktitut.

Contact information for the CJOW in your community.

For support during weekends and after hours, call toll free 1-844-534-1038

 

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