Domestic Violence and Protective Orders

Domestic violence protective orders—also called restraining orders—are court-issued orders that protect victims from abuse, harassment, stalking, or threats. Available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, they restrict abuser contact, require staying away from homes or workplaces, mandate moving out of shared residences, prohibit firearms, and address child custody or support.

What Protection Orders Cover

Orders include no-contact rules barring calls, texts, or emails; stay-away distances from victims, children, family, or pets; and requirements for counseling or batterer programs. Courts extend protections to household members and can award temporary custody, visitation, or financial support. While civilians use family or criminal courts, military personnel access Military Protective Orders (MPOs) through the military justice system.

Filing and Enforcement

Victims file in court for emergency ex parte orders, often issued same-day, followed by a hearing within days or weeks. Orders typically last up to two years and are free to file. Violations lead to arrest, fines, or jail. Under VAWA, all U.S. jurisdictions enforce valid orders across state lines.