s 13A Referral for investigation by police when expedited protection order made
13A.—(1) When a court makes, on or after 1 June 2021, an expedited protection order under section 13 against the respondent, the court must —(a) consider if a criminal investigation into whether the respondent has committed an offence under section 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 is warranted; and (b) if it is satisfied that such a criminal investigation is warranted, refer the matter to a police officer for investigation.[17/2019] (2) Where a court refers a matter for investigation under subsection (1), the court may stay any Part 3 proceedings (except civil proceedings under section 13) that involve the same victim and the same respondent, until —(a) the end of that investigation; or (b) if criminal proceedings are instituted as a result of that investigation, the end of those criminal proceedings.[17/2019] (3) This section and any decision of the court under this section does not affect any ability of the court to do the following at any stage of proceedings:(a) consider if a criminal investigation into whether the respondent has committed an offence under section 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 is warranted; (b) refer any matter to a police officer for investigation.[17/2019] (4) Without affecting the court’s discretion to consider any other factors, the Minister may, by order in the Gazette, prescribe factors that a court must take into account in considering, under subsection (1)(a) if a criminal investigation is warranted.[17/2019] (5) There is no appeal against the decision of a court under this section.[17/2019]