A domestic violence protective order is a civil order in which one party goes to the court ex parte (without the other party present) and explains why they are substantially frightened or feel harassed by an opposing party.
50B
A 50B is for parties that have a domestic relationship (former spouses, parents, and children, or have otherwise lived in the same house.)
50C
A 50C is for people who have never resided together (colleagues, friends, relatives that don’t live together.)
If and when an ex parte order is granted, it requires the accused to have no contact with the other person, not via text, phone, social media, or through a third party. If a 50B or 50C is violated, it could very well lead to criminal charges, even though they are civil orders.
Court Hearing
After the orders are entered into, there will be a hearing in about ten days so the accused can present evidence to refute the claims of the other party and state why the order shouldn’t have been granted. This evidence may include texts, medical records, arrest records, witness testimony, and maybe even videos. The court will make a final decision at that point as to whether the order will remain in place or not.