Family law
Orders of protection
Interim and longer protection orders where an offence involves domestic violence.
A domestic violence interim protection order is a temporary and urgent order. It can be sought while the police investigate a report of an offence involving domestic violence.
An interim protection order ceases when the investigations are completed. A protection order can then be sought during criminal proceedings under the Penal Code, where the accused is charged with an offence committed in circumstances that fall within the definition of domestic violence.
A protection order may be granted for a period not exceeding twelve months. The court may extend it for a further period not exceeding twelve months if that extension is necessary for protection and personal safety.