An emergency protection order (EPO) may be ordered by a judge in the case of alleged domestic assault.
It is a legally binding order designed to protect an alleged victim from further domestic violence by prohibiting the accused from going near or communicating with the party or parties who have allegedly been assaulted.
The order may also grant special powers to the police when dealing with the alleged perpetrator of the family violence.
With credible complaints of domestic assault, the court can impose an EPO without the accused being present.