Attorney General P. Mitchell Murphy announced today that the Lieutenant Governor in Council has proclaimed the Victims of Family Violence Act effective December 16, 1996.
"This government is committed to the reduction and prevention of family violence on Prince Edward Island. The Victims of Family Violence Act is one step towards this goal," said Mr. Murphy. "This civil legislation will provide immediate protection for victims of family violence. In many cases it will enable the victim and children to remain in the home while the abusive person will be removed."
Orders under the Victims of Family Violence Act provide several options, any of which can be ordered depending on the needs in each situation. Some of these options include: granting exclusive occupation of the residence to the victim, removing an abusive person from the residence, having the police assist with removal of personal belongings, restraining the abusive person from contacting the victim, awarding temporary custody of children to the victim, granting temporary possession of certain personal property, and restraining the abusive person from committing further acts of family violence against the victim.
Police across Prince Edward Island have been trained in the use of provisions under the Victims of Family Violence Act. Specifically designated justices of the peace have been trained to hear applications for Emergency Protection Orders, the immediate, short-term remedies to be used in urgent situations. Regulations and forms have been developed to simplify the civil court process for victims seeking Victim Assistance Orders, the longer-term orders made by judges of the Supreme Court.
"This legislation is victim-centered," said Mr. Murphy. "The intent is to protect the victim and children and help them to resume their lives with as little disruption as possible."
For more information, contact: Ellie Reddin, Coordinator, Victim Services, (902) 368-4584.