The judge or justice of the peace must consider the following when deciding whether to grant an EPO: history of family violence by the respondent toward you and other family members if the respondent’s behaviour has been controlling towards you or other family members if the family violence is ongoing or getting worse any immediate danger to people or property how elder adults are more vulnerable to violence the effect on your children the best interests of you and your children your need for a safe environment to arrange for longer term protection from family violence Last Reviewed: January 2022