Emergency Protective Order (EPO)

An EPO is an order issued by a judicial officer upon the request by a peace officer.  The purpose of this order is to provide for immediate and short term protection, usually five court days.  You do not need an attorney or to appear in court to obtain an EPO.  The police can assist you obtain an EPO over the phone 24/7. EPOs are free.

EPOs  are issued to protect a person who is immediate and present danger of domestic violence and is in one of these categories:

• Spouse or former spouse
• Current or former cohabitant
• Engaged or formerly engaged persons
• Dating or former dating partner
• Parties with a child in common
• A child who is in immediate and present danger of abuse by a family or household member, or
• A child who is in immediate and present danger of being abducted by a parent or relative
• A person who is in immediate and present danger of stalking by anyone
• A person in immediate and present danger of elder or dependent adult abuse by anyone, including physical abuse, neglect, abandonment, and failure of a care provider to provide needed goods or services.

The abuser must have:

• Injured you
• Tried to injured you
• Made you afraid of being seriously injured
• Forced you to have sex

EPOs can help victims of domestic violence and their children in the following ways:

• Order the abuser not to interfere with, bother or menace you or your children
• Order the abuser not to enter your home, school, or workplace
• Order the abuser to move out of your home
• Award you temporary custody of your children
• Document the history of abuse

If you are in need of extended protection, you may need to request a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO).  SafeQuest Solano can help you obtain a TRO.  TROs are free.

You have the right to file criminal charges against your abuser, whether or not you have an emergency protective order.  If you need to report a domestic violence incident, call the police department with jurisdiction in your case.  If it is an emergency, call 911.