My aunt lives in Edmonton, Alberta. Can you describe a likely course of action?

In Edmonton, after your aunt has obtained a file number from the police, she needs to call the Provincial Court-Criminal Division and ask for an appointment with a Justice of the Peace. The Justice of the Peace will take details of your aunt's complaint and forward it to the Crown Prosecutor's Office, which will determine if there are grounds for a peace bond.

If there are grounds, a summons is issued for the abuser to appear in court. In a situation where the Justice feels that someone may be in great danger, he or she can order the police to arrest the alleged abuser and bring that person to court right away. Your aunt must be prepared to appear in court and give evidence about why she is seeking a peace bond. If her abuser does not show up, the court may issue the peace bond if satisfied that there are grounds. Anyone found in breach of a peace bond could be charged and convicted of an offence.

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January 2006

see also:

• More Abuse of Older Adults FAQs

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