What Is a Domestic Violence Restraining Order?
A Domestic Violence Restraining Order is a court order meant to protect someone from harm or threats in a domestic relationship. These orders can apply to partners, ex-partners, family members, or anyone with a personal relationship.
The court decides which type of relationship counts. Keep reading to learn how these orders work, who can ask for them, and what they can do.
What Is the Purpose of Domestic Violence Restraining Order?
A Domestic Violence Restraining Order helps protect someone from abuse, threats, or harassment. It’s made to stop the abuser from contacting or hurting the victim again. These orders cover people in an intimate relationship, personal relationship, or domestic relationship, like spouses, partners, or parents.
The goal is to prevent further harm. This includes emotional distress, bodily injury, or threats of sexual abuse. The order sets limits to protect the victim’s safety. It can stop the abuser from coming near their home, work, or child’s school.
These orders can also protect a minor child living with the victim. They can block the abuser’s access to firearms or require them to leave the shared home. Courts issue these orders in Family Court, Criminal Court, or a district court division — depending on the case.
Many people get help from a domestic violence advocate, victim advocate, or Domestic Violence agencies to file and understand the process.
Who Can Request One?
You can ask for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order if someone close to you has harmed or threatened you. You must share a type of relationship with the person. This can be a dating relationship, sexual relationship, intimate partner, family member, or someone you live with.
You can request protection for yourself and for a minor child in your care. If you’re facing abuse as a senior, you can also seek protection for Elder Abuse. Some people request help through a guardian ad litem for a child or adult who cannot speak for themselves.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Domestic violence clinics and domestic violence protection order programs offer help. They provide assistance to individuals seeking protection, including assistance with preparation and legal services.
In emergencies, law enforcement officers or a police department can help request fast protection. The court decides based on the situation, even outside regular court hours if needed.
What Does a Restraining Order Do?
A restraining order creates legal rules the abuser must follow. It can stop all contact such as calls, texts, visits, or emails. It may also include stay-away orders to keep the person away from your home, school, or work.
Some orders require the abuser to move out of a shared home. If children are involved, the court can order temporary child custody or temporary custody terms.
The judge may also ban the abuser from having or buying guns. This includes possession of firearms, concealed firearms, or any firearm pursuant to court orders.
Breaking any of these rules has serious effects. The abuser can face criminal charges, jail time, or even lose immigration status. The order becomes part of their record and may affect work or custody in the future.
Some people also use these orders as part of safety planning. Victims can get help through address confidentiality services, wrap-around services, or a domestic violence advocate.
Types of Domestic Violence Protective Orders
There are several kinds of violence protective orders. Each one serves a different purpose depending on the risk and timing. Some are for emergencies. Others last longer after a court hearing.
Some of the types of domestic violence protection orders are:
Emergency Protective Order (EPO)
An Emergency Protective Order (EPO) is a short-term order issued quickly. Law enforcement officers or a law enforcement agency can request one if they believe someone is in immediate danger. It’s often issued after a domestic violence call.
Judges are available outside regular court hours to approve an EPO. These orders usually last five to seven days, giving the victim time to apply for a longer-term order.
EPOs can include no contact provisions, move-out orders, and stay-away orders. They may also limit the abuser’s access to firearms. The goal is fast protection to prevent more harm or bodily injury.
If children are involved, the EPO may include terms for temporary child custody. The victim may also receive help from a domestic violence advocate, who offers assistance with preparation for future hearings. Victims often use this time for safety planning and to explore legal services.
Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is issued before the court makes a final decision. It offers protection until a future hearing. This is usually set within 20–25 days.
TROs are based on a person’s request and can be filed using an online form, paper request form, or other application forms. Victims may also need to submit Protection Order Forms, additional forms, or a dismissal form if the case changes.
This type of order may include limits on contact, temporary custody, or even firearm restrictions. It helps prevent further emotional distress, threats, or abuse during the legal process.
The Notice of Hearing will list the court date and terms of the TRO. In some areas, virtual hearings may be available. Victims may get support from Domestic Violence agencies, domestic violence clinics, or a victim advocate.
Permanent Restraining Order
A Permanent Restraining Order is issued after a full court hearing. It usually lasts up to five years but can be extended. The court reviews evidence and hears both sides before making this decision.
This order often comes after a 10-day hearing, 60-day review hearing, or hearing after notice. It may include long-term rules like no contact provisions, custody and visitation limits, and bans on possession of firearms.
The court may also issue an award of custody entered into official records. If children are involved, the order can affect child custody and even require a guardian ad litem to be involved.
Permanent orders carry serious weight. Breaking them can lead to criminal charges, jail time, and issues with immigration status.
Victims may receive support through wrap-around services, address confidentiality services, or financial help from the Domestic Violence Center Fund.
Criminal Protective Order (CPO)
A Criminal Protective Order (CPO) is issued as part of a criminal case. It’s different from civil orders like a TRO or permanent order. A judge in Criminal Court issues a CPO when the accused faces criminal charges for abuse or threats.
CPOs are often used in cases involving sexual abuse, serious bodily injury, or threats against an intimate partner or minor child. These orders help protect the victim while the case is active.
They often include strict terms. These may include bans on contacting the victim, having firearms, or living in the same place. If violated, the defendant may face extra charges or a motion for contempt.
Lawyers can request changes to a CPO based on new facts. Victims often work with a victim advocate or get assistance from persons seeking ongoing protection and legal advice.
How to File for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order
Filing a domestic violence protection order gives legal protection to people in harm’s way. Courts allow people in many types of relationships to ask for help. Each case is different, and paperwork must be done correctly.
Who Can File
Anyone in a domestic relationship facing abuse, threats, or control can file. This includes people in a dating relationship, intimate relationship, or sexual relationship. You do not have to be married or live together. A personal relationship is enough if abuse is happening.
You can also file to protect a minor child or in cases of Elder Abuse. A guardian ad litem may help if the victim cannot file alone.
Some people file after help from a law enforcement agency, a victim advocate, or Domestic Violence agencies. Others get help from domestic violence clinics that offer assistance to persons seeking legal protection.
You may file through online services or in person. Forms may include an online form, paper request form, and Protection Order Forms. Additional help is available through legal services, address confidentiality services, or a domestic violence advocate.
Steps in the Process
- Fill Out the Forms: Complete the required application forms, such as the paper request form, online form, and additional forms. These ask for details about your type of relationship, what happened, and what protection you need.
- File the Forms in Court: Take your completed forms to the district court, Family Court, or Criminal Court, depending on your case. You can also file through online services if available.
- Get a Temporary Order: The court may issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) right away. This protects you until a future hearingis held. You’ll get a Notice of Hearing with the date and terms.
- Service of Process: A third party, often the police department or a law enforcement agency, must give the forms to the other person. This is called service of process and is required for the case to move forward.
- Attend the Hearing: Go to court for a 10-day hearing, 60-day review hearing, or hearing after notice. Bring any proof or witnesses. You may also attend virtual hearings if allowed.
- Final Decision: The judge will decide whether to give a long-term order. If granted, terms may include temporary custody, limits on access to firearms, and more.
FAQs
cases often involve fear, harm, or control. Restraining and protective orders are legal tools to help stop this. These orders can limit contact, stop threats, and protect both adults and children in danger. If you or someone you know feels unsafe in a home or relationship, there are ways the law can help.
If you or someone you know is facing abuse, don’t wait. 
