What is a clerk required to do when the victim is not present when an emergency order of protection is issued?

• A. Notify the judge
• B. Post it on the courthouse door
• C. Send a copy of the order to the victim
• D. Delay the order

Answer: (C)

Protecting the victim relies on them knowing the terms of the order. When the victim isn’t present and an emergency protective order is issued, the clerk must send a copy of that order to the victim promptly. This ensures the victim understands what is prohibited and can rely on the order for safety. The order isn’t delayed simply because the victim wasn’t present; delivery to the victim—often coordinated through law enforcement or by mail—fulfills the notice requirement. The judge has already issued the order, and posting it on the courthouse door isn’t a substitute for delivering the actual copy, nor would delaying the order serve the safety purpose.