What is the difference between a protection order and a restraining order or peace bond?
A protection order is issued under the Protection Against Family Violence Act and is granted where there has been family violence as described in the Act. An emergency protection order (EPO) can be obtained from a presiding justice of the peace on a 24-hour basis and can include such provisions as the respondent being required to leave the home and not contact the claimant. There is an automatic review provision that requires all EPOs to be reviewed by the Court of Queen’s Bench. The Act also allows for a claimant to apply to the Court of Queen’s Bench for a protection order. A Queen’s Bench protection order covers every issue that an EPO does and more. Its additional powers include the ability to order: a respondent to repay the claimant for monetary losses resulting from the family violence; a respondent to post a bond; that either the claimant or respondent have temporary possession of specified personal property; and that either party is prohibited from dealing with personal proper
