What are release conditions? An accused person is an individual who has been arrested for a crime or charged with a crime.  When an accused person is going to be released into the community they are often required to promise to follow some rules.  Accused persons may be released on documents such as: appearance notices, recognizances, undertakings and peace bonds.  These documents may include a no-contact condition.  Victims who want a no-contact condition put in place can ask for one.  The information will be kept in the police file. A no-contact condition prohibits an accused person from communicating with a victim. This means that the person is not allowed to contact the victim by:

• visiting them in person,
• telephone,
• written messages,
• e-mail,
• text message,
• social media, or
• any other way.

The person is also not allowed to communicate with the victim indirectly by asking someone else to pass along a message unless the court has allowed for a third party to discuss specific issues (ex. scheduling access time with children through a lawyer or counsellor). A no-contact condition may also require the accused person or offender to stay away from certain places, such as the victim’s home, workplace or school.   What if I no longer want a no-contact condition in place? If a victim changes their mind and wants to have contact resume, the matter will have to go before the court and be approved by a judge.   What are some other kinds of release rules/conditions? Individuals accused of a crime may be released on additional conditions such as:

• keeping the peace and being of good behaviour
• attending court when required to do so
• obeying a curfew
• living at a specified address
• not using, possessing or consuming drugs or alcohol or entering any licensed premises.
• not possessing weapons such as knives or firearms.

  What should a victim do if a condition is not being followed? If an accused person violates a condition of their release, you should call the police.  If it is an emergency situation, please call 9-1-1 immediately. Otherwise, call the Police non-emergency line at 306-777-6500. The victim or witness should try to provide the police with anything that might help to prove that the condition was broken – for example, a text message or Facebook message that they received from the accused person.   I am a victim of violence and I did not receive a copy or I lost my copy of the accused person’s conditions:  Please contact: Family Services Regina Domestic Violence Unit: (306)757-6675 or Regina Police Service Non-emergency line: (306)777-6500