A Winnipeg law professor who helped create Manitoba's civil protection order legislation said the orders work to prevent violence, but said they aren't perfect.
Protection orders are front and centre this week in the Camille Runke homicide case. Court documents show Camille filed for a protection order against her ex-husband Kevin Runke prior to her death. No arrests have been made in Camille's death although Winnipeg police said Tuesday Kevin was a person of interest in the case. He was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, Monday.
A neighbor told CTV News that Camille had flood lights, cameras and an alarm system outside her Elmwood home and was scared of Kevin.
The neighbour said Camille was a wonderful lady who would who would bring presents to her grandchildren, but added that last week Camille did not seem like herself.
Earlier this year, Selena Keeper was denied a protection order against her former boyfriend five months before he was charged with killing her.
Karen Busby, a law professor at University of Manitoba, said the orders send a simple, fast, and strong message to violators to stay away.
The orders are filed in all kinds of relationships including marriages, between common law partners and people dating as well as to keep stalkers away.
Busby said only 50 per cent of protection orders requested are granted by a justice of the peace.
Busby said it’s up to complainants to prove there's an immediate and imminent need for a protection order and if they don't the request will not be fulfilled by a Justice of the Peace.
Busby said that's because the courts have to keep in mind the rights of the violator who the complainant is seeking the order against.
Protection orders are different than restraining orders. Protection orders do not involve a criminal charge whereas a restraining order does.
Manitoba's attorney general, Gord Mackintosh, said Monday the province is going to make it easier for people to get protection orders.
Mackintosh said protection orders aren't always as accessible as they should be.
Busby said if violators disobey the protection order against them criminal charges should be pursued but said some women are hesitant to seek criminal charges against their partners.
