No one should face violence without knowing the legal tools available to protect them. We are bringing Red Flag Laws education directly to shelter staff, victims, survivors, and underserved communities across Manitoba, transforming complex legal processes into accessible, actionable knowledge that empowers those at most risk.
Red Flag Awareness Initiative (2025-2027)
MAWS’ “Empowering GBV Shelter Staff & Service Users through Education on Red Flag Laws” project, a Red Flag Awareness Initiative, is a public legal education project funded under Public Safety Canada’s Red Flag Awareness Initiative 2025 that aims to increase understanding and use of Canada’s Red Flag laws, including emergency prohibition and emergency limitations on access orders, among those most at risk of violence and those who support them.
This project responds to identified gaps in accessible information for victims and or survivors of gender-based violence, individuals experiencing mental health crises, and people in marginalized, rural, Northern, and Indigenous communities, who often face barriers in learning about and safely using these legal tools and related protection services.
Objectives
- Increase the knowledge and understanding of Red Flag laws among victims/survivors of gender-based violence, individuals experiencing mental health crises, and those at risk of suicide so they can make informed safety decisions.
- Build the capacity of Manitoba’s Family Violence and GBV shelters, community-based organizations and service providers to explain Red Flag laws in plain language and support individuals in safely navigating these legal tools.
- Mobilize clear, accessible information on how to apply for Red Flag orders and related protections, including jurisdiction-specific processes and contact points, across the regions MAWS serves.
- Strengthen collaboration between MAWS, justice and legal actors, service providers, and community partners to improve coordinated responses for people at risk of violence.
- Enhance overall community awareness of available protection orders and local support services so that more at-risk individuals are connected to timely, appropriate help
Explore Resources
The following resources were developed by MAWS in partnership with a dedicated team of collaborators: Nina Condo of the Elmwood Resource Center; Lisa Currier, Indigenous Consultant; Catherine Rodgers and Monica Schroeder of People First of Canada; Cpl. Vicki Noël of the RCMP, and the MAWS Survivor Advisory Group. Together, these partners bring a wealth of expertise and lived experience to support our community.
Webinar Recordings
Red Flag Laws Events
In-Person Training: Red Flag Laws (Winnipeg)
📅 May 4, 2026 | X:00-X:00 XM | Winnipeg
This free training helps frontline workers understand emergency prohibition orders, support clients at risk, and build stronger safety plans. It’s ideal for crisis centers, shelters, and organizations serving Indigenous communities.
Webinar: Understanding Red Flag Laws with RCMP
📅 March 18, 2026 | 10:00-11:00 AM |Zoom
Leading the session is Corporal Vicki Noel, who has 21 years of experience with the RCMP and is currently serving at National Headquarters in Ottawa with the National Office of Investigative Standards and Practices. She will provide an in-depth look at Canada’s Red Flag laws and their application in cases of family and intimate partner violence.
In-Person Training: Red Flag Laws
📅 March 27, 2026 | 6:00-9:00 PM |Thompson
If you’re located in Thompson, Manitoba, this opportunity is for you. This free training helps staff workers understand emergency prohibition orders, support clients at risk, and build stronger safety plans. It’s ideal for crisis centers, shelters, and organizations serving Indigenous communities.
Webinar: Introduction to Red Flag Laws
📅 February 26, 2026 | 1:30-2:30 PM | Via Zoom
This introductory webinar, hosted by the Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters (MAWS), provides a clear, accessible explanation of what Red Flag Laws are, how they work, and why they matter in the context of community safety and gender-based violence prevention.
Social Media Awareness Campaign
Worried about someone with a firearm who might be a danger to themselves or others?
Anyone can apply for an emergency prohibition order if they think someone with firearms is a risk.
Find what happens when you apply for an emergency prohibition order.
Canada’s Red Flag Laws are meant to help in the following situations
Are you thinking about applying for a Red Flag order but worried about your safety?
