What must exist for a temporary ex parte order to be issued for the protection of an applicant?

For a temporary ex parte order to be issued for the protection of an applicant, there must be a clear and present danger of harm. This legal standard ensures that the court has sufficient grounds to act quickly in situations where there is an immediate risk to the applicant's safety. The concept of "clear and present danger" emphasizes the urgency of the circumstances, making it necessary for the court to provide protection swiftly without waiting for a full hearing or the involvement of the offender.

The other choices involve elements that are not prerequisites for the issuance of such an order. A signed confession or admission of guilt from the offender is not required before a temporary order can be granted; the court primarily focuses on the applicant's immediate safety rather than the offender's acknowledgment of wrongdoing. Similarly, while witness testimonies can support a case, they are not mandatory for the issuance of an ex parte order, as the applicant's credible claims alone can be sufficient to demonstrate the need for protection.