An emergency protective order is issued by a judge at the request of a law enforcement officer where there is a danger of domestic violence, child abuse, abduction or elder abuse. Usually the law enforcement officer has been called out to a person's residence for a disturbance. If the officer feels an emergency protective order is necessary, then the officer will contact the court to speak to a judicial officer.

• If an emergency protective order is issued, the protective order is only temporary (up to seven calendar days). If you need an order that will protect you longer, you must come to the nearest court to obtain forms and instructions. For more information, please visit the Domestic Violence Restraining Orders webpage.