A protection order aims at preventing the re-occurrence of domestic violence or sexual harassment by stating what conduct the alleged offender must refrain from doing. As long as the offender complies with the protection order, the complainant will be safe. If the respondent contravenes any stipulation of the protection order, he/she may be arrested. Once a protection order is granted, it is enforceable throughout the country.

Criminal charges may be laid in cases where acts of domestic violence/sexual harassment constitute an offence, such as assault or rape. It does not mean that one must first exhaust the remedies available under the protection order before laying the criminal charges, if this offence was committed. One can register the criminal charge with or without a protection order.

The court may order a police officer to accompany a complainant to retrieve his/her property from a specified place to ensure the safety of the complainant.