IPO vs Protection Order: What Is the Difference?

What is an Interim Protection Order (IPO)?

An IPO is a temporary court order that protects you from domestic violence straight away. It can be granted quickly, sometimes on the same day you apply.

The court does not need to hear from the abuser first, so it suits emergencies.

It lasts until the court hears the full application for a protection order. While it is in force it has the same legal weight as a full order. If the abuser breaks it, the police can arrest them without a warrant.

What is a Protection Order (PO)?

A Protection Order is made after the court has heard both sides. The court looks at the evidence of violence, the risk of future harm and the needs of any children.

A PO can last up to 12 months and can set more detailed conditions than an IPO, such as:

• you alone living in the shared home
• limits on contact
• temporary maintenance or custody

When should you apply for an IPO?

Apply for an IPO when you are in immediate danger and cannot wait for a full hearing. For example, if your spouse has recently been violent or threatened violence. You apply at the Magistrate’s Court.

It matters most if you need to stay in the shared home or fear the violence will get worse.

You do not need to have filed for divorce. Anyone experiencing domestic violence can apply, whatever the state of their marriage.

How are they alike?

Both stop the abuser from committing further violence. The police can enforce both, and breaking either is a criminal offence.

The penalty for breaching either is the same: a fine of up to RM2,000, up to six months’ jail, or both.

Both can set conditions on contact, how close the abuser can come and who lives in the shared home. Both come under the Domestic Violence Act 1994 and are applied for at the Magistrate’s Court.

How are they different?

• Timing: an IPO can be granted without a full hearing. A PO comes after both sides are heard.
• Length: an IPO lasts only until the full hearing. A PO lasts up to 12 months and can be renewed.
• Conditions: a PO can include more detailed conditions.

If you need protection for longer, the PO is the long-term option. Your lawyer can advise which step fits your situation.

Looking to engage a divorce lawyer? If you are in danger right now, call the police on 999 first. Once you are safe and want to know which order to apply for, request independent lawyer contact via WhatsApp: Request Lawyer Contact. For general information, use our guides and tools.