An EPO or TPO serves the same function as any other court order. It is a mechanisim to allow arrest for violation of the court order. It is the courts way of trying to influence behavior that would otherwise not be illegal, but which the court wishes to control.
I personally belive "restraining orders" are routinely abused by women and their divorce attorny's. They are used as a tool to harrass and punish the husband.
I am required by law to offer an EPO at a domestic violence scene. So I offer, but I dont hard sell or try to talk them into it.
In cases of annoying phone calls, stalking, terrorist threats, Ect.., If I feel a protective order is warranted I encourage the "victim" to go to family court themself and get a TPO.