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A Protection Order is a legal directive issued by Hong Kong courts to shield victims from domestic violence or harassment. It creates immediate legal barriers between the victim and the person causing harm, typically preventing the abuser from entering specific locations or making any contact.

The order gives police immediate power to arrest violators, making it a powerful tool for protecting vulnerable individuals. Under Hong Kong's Domestic and Cohabitation Relationships Violence Ordinance, these orders can cover various relationships, including married couples, former partners, and family members living together. They usually last for 6 months but can be extended when needed.

Seek a Protection Order immediately if you face physical violence, threats, or harassment from a family member, spouse, or someone living in your home. This legal shield becomes crucial when you feel unsafe, when existing safety measures aren't working, or when verbal warnings have failed to stop the threatening behavior.

The order proves especially valuable during separation or divorce, when tensions often escalate. Get one quickly if your partner shows signs of stalking, makes threatening calls, or attempts to enter your home or workplace against your wishes. Time matters - Hong Kong courts can issue emergency orders within hours when there's clear danger.

• Non-Molestation Order: Prevents harassment, threats, or violence from a specific person. Most common type, offering broad protection for personal safety.
• Exclusion Order: Bars the abuser from entering your home or specific locations, even if they own or rent the property.
• Domestic Violence Protection Order: Comprehensive protection covering both non-molestation and exclusion elements, typically issued in serious domestic abuse cases.
• Temporary Protection Order: Quick-action order lasting 1-2 weeks while courts review evidence for a longer-term order.

• Victims: Individuals facing domestic violence, harassment, or threats can apply for Protection Orders through the courts or with help from social workers.
• Courts: District Court judges review applications and issue Protection Orders based on evidence and urgency of the situation.
• Police: Enforce Protection Orders and can make immediate arrests if orders are violated.
• Social Workers: Help victims apply for orders, provide supporting evidence, and offer ongoing support services.
• Legal Representatives: Lawyers who assist victims in preparing applications and representing them in court proceedings.

• Gather Evidence: Document all incidents of violence or harassment with dates, times, and descriptions. Include photos, messages, or medical reports.
• Personal Details: Compile complete contact information for both yourself and the person you need protection from, including addresses and relationships.
• Safety Plan: Create a list of specific locations needing protection (home, workplace, children's school).
• Support Network: Identify witnesses willing to provide statements and emergency contacts.
• Draft Application: Use our platform to generate a legally sound Protection Order application, ensuring all required elements are included.

• Identification Details: Full names, addresses, and relationships of both protected person and respondent.
• Prohibited Actions: Clear list of specific behaviors the respondent must not engage in (approaching, contacting, threatening).
• Protected Locations: Exact addresses and perimeters where the respondent cannot enter.
• Duration: Specific start date and length of the order (typically 6-24 months).
• Enforcement Terms: Consequences of violation and police powers to arrest.
• Service Details: How and when the respondent will be notified of the order.

Protection Orders and Restraining Orders often get confused in Hong Kong's legal system, but they serve different purposes and situations. While both aim to protect individuals, their scope and application differ significantly.

• Legal Scope: Protection Orders specifically target domestic violence and family relationships, while Restraining Orders can apply to any threatening situation, including non-family members or business contexts.
• Application Process: Protection Orders have a streamlined, faster application process through the District Court, especially in emergencies. Restraining Orders typically require more extensive evidence and longer court proceedings.
• Duration and Flexibility: Protection Orders usually last 6-24 months with simpler renewal processes. Restraining Orders can be indefinite but require stronger justification for extensions.
• Enforcement Powers: Protection Orders give police immediate arrest powers upon violation. Restraining Orders may require additional court proceedings before enforcement action.