A domestic violence restraining order is a court order that helps protect people from abuse.
Getting a Restraining Order
What is abuse?
Abuse means to hit, hurt, scare, throw things, pull hair, push, follow, harass, sexually assault, stalking, or threaten to do any of these things.
Can I get a restraining order?
You may obtain a domestic violence restraining order if a person has abused you and you have a close relationship with that person (married or registered domestic partners, divorced, separated, dating or used to date), or you are related (parent, child, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather, in-law).
If you are being harassed by roommates, neighbors, co-workers or other people not close to you, then you may request a Civil Harassment Restraining Order [1], not a Domestic Violence Restraining Order.
What facts does the judge need to know about?
Your written declaration must state sufficient detailed facts that show reasonable proof of a past act or acts of abuse. Your written declaration should contain dates, a detailed description of the abuse and a detailed description of any injuries.
Filing and Serving Instructions
This info sheet contains detailed instructions about the forms and steps needed to request a Domestic Violence Restraining Order.