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A Protection Order is a temporary court order that helps keep you safe from domestic violence. It's one of the most common safety measures available through Irish District Courts, requiring an abusive person to stop threatening, watching, or communicating with you.

These orders typically last up to 12 months and work alongside other Irish domestic violence protections like Safety Orders and Barring Orders. You can apply for one through your local District Court office, and the Gardaí will enforce it - making it a criminal offense if the person named in the order breaks its conditions. The process is free and doesn't require a solicitor.

You need a Protection Order when you face immediate danger from domestic violence and can't wait for a full court hearing. This emergency measure helps protect you from someone who lives with you or has a close relationship with you - like a partner, family member, or ex-partner who's making threats or being violent.

Apply for a Protection Order right away if you're experiencing stalking, physical abuse, threats, or controlling behavior. It's particularly crucial when you fear for your safety but need to maintain your normal living arrangements while waiting for a longer-term Safety Order or Barring Order hearing. The Gardaí can arrest the abuser immediately if they violate the order's terms.

• Standard Protection Order: Provides immediate temporary safety by preventing contact and threats while awaiting a full court hearing
• Interim Barring Order: A stronger variation that can remove the abuser from the home immediately if there's serious risk
• Child Protection Order: Specifically focuses on protecting children from abuse or harm, often requested by Tusla or guardians
• Workplace Protection Order: Tailored for workplace harassment situations, protecting employees from abusive colleagues or customers
• Emergency Protection Order: Ultra-short-term protection granted outside normal court hours in crisis situations

• Applicants: People seeking protection from domestic violence, including spouses, partners, family members, or parents protecting their children
• District Court Judges: Review applications and issue Protection Orders based on evidence of immediate risk
• An Garda Síochána: Enforce Protection Orders and can arrest violators without a warrant
• Legal Aid Board Solicitors: Help applicants navigate the court process and explain their rights
• Respondents: People named in the order who must follow its restrictions or face criminal charges
• Support Services: Domestic violence organizations providing guidance and assistance throughout the process

• Personal Details: Gather full names, addresses, and relationship status of both applicant and respondent
• Evidence Documentation: Collect dates, photos, messages, or medical records showing abuse or threats
• Safety Information: List specific behaviors you need protection from and any immediate risks
• Court Requirements: Visit your local District Court to file the application - no appointment needed
• Support Network: Connect with domestic violence services for guidance through the process
• Safety Plan: Develop an emergency plan while waiting for the court hearing
• Contact Details: Keep Garda station numbers and support service contacts readily available

• Identifying Information: Full names, addresses, and relationship between applicant and respondent
• Prohibited Actions: Clear listing of specific behaviors the respondent must not engage in
• Geographic Scope: Defined areas where the respondent cannot approach or enter
• Duration Details: Explicit start date and length of the order (typically up to 12 months)
• Emergency Provisions: Specific instructions for Gardaí enforcement and emergency response
• Service Details: How and when the respondent will be notified of the order
• Court Authority: District Court jurisdiction and seal, judge's signature, and case number
• Violation Consequences: Clear statement of criminal penalties for breaching the order

Protection Orders and Restraining Orders often get confused, but they serve different purposes in Irish law. While both aim to protect individuals from harm, they work differently and apply to distinct situations.

• Duration: Protection Orders are temporary emergency measures lasting up to 12 months, while Restraining Orders can be longer-term solutions
• Application Scope: Protection Orders specifically address domestic violence situations between people in close relationships, while Restraining Orders can apply to any threatening person, including strangers
• Speed of Implementation: Protection Orders can be granted immediately without the respondent present, while Restraining Orders require full hearings with both parties
• Legal Framework: Protection Orders fall under the Domestic Violence Act 2018, whereas Restraining Orders are governed by broader harassment laws
• Enforcement Power: Protection Orders give Gardaí immediate arrest powers, while Restraining Orders may require additional court processes for enforcement