2. Categories of Evidence

3. Category 1
The evidence in the first category is usually associated with ‘relatively strong probative weight’. This includes:
A criminal conviction; a final protection order by contest
A final protection order at which the defendant did not appear
Direct witness accounts of violence or injuries.

4. Category 2
The evidence in the second category – evidence of ‘less probative weight’ includes:
A final protection order made by consent or consent without admissions
An interim protection order granted in the absence of the respondent
Sworn or unsworn hearsay accounts of family violence.