POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 81 If your partner does not follow the EPO and is charged and found guilty of that offence they face a fine or up to 3 months in jail for a first offence. Failing to follow an EPO will not result in criminal charges. If you have an EPO and you think you might want to apply for a peace bond in the future, it is a good idea to talk with a lawyer. What is a peace bond? A peace bond is a criminal court order. You can apply to court for a peace bond if you fear that your partner or expartner will harm you, your family, or your property. A peace bond can require that your partner or expartner stay away from you. You can apply for a peace bond at the Provincial Court or Family Court. The court will give you the forms you need to apply. Once you fill out the forms you will speak with a Justice of the Peace who will decide if the application will go to court. Only a judge can order a peace bond. Applying for a Peace Bond can take a long time. Tell court staff before your court date if you need an interpreter. The court may arrange one depending on the language and interpreter’s availability. You do not have to pay for the interpreter. You can go to court with a lawyer or on your own. It is always a good idea to talk with a lawyer if you have to go to court, even if you go to court without a lawyer. If a peace bond is granted it is a court order. It will include a condition that your partner not break the law ('keep the peace and be of good behaviour') for a period of up to 12 months. It may also have conditions saying your partner must: • have no contact with you (except with your written consent) • have no weapons, and/or • stay away from certain places like where you live or work. If your partner does not follow the conditions of the peace bond they may be charged with a crime. If found guilty your partner could be fined, sentenced to probation for up to three years with conditions, or jail. Depending on the terms of the sentence your partner could get a criminal record if they break the peace bond. What is a Cyberprotection order? The Intimate Images and Cyberprotection Act aims to protect people from being bullied online, or from having intimate images of themselves shared without their consent. Cyberbullying is when someone uses electronic communication, like email, text messaging or social media communication, to harm your health or wellbeing. They might be doing this on purpose to hurt you or they might not care about hurting you. Examples of cyberbullying: • creating a website, blog or profile that takes your identity • sharing sensitive personal information or breaking your confidence • posting or sharing private intimate images online without your consent • threatening, intimidating, harassing or scaring you online • making false statements about you • communications that are grossly offensive, indecent, or obscene • encouraging you to commit suicide. Abuse is wrong in any family continued continued
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