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Domestic Violence: Getting a Protective Order

Table of Contents


Overview

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A violent relationship puts you and your children at risk for injury and even death. Getting a protection order (also called a restraining order) is a step you can take to help keep you and your children safe.

To get a protection order:

To be eligible for a protection order, you and the abuser must fit into at least one of the following categories:

For a protection order to work effectively, you must:

If you travel to another state, check to see whether your protection order is valid in that state. Protection orders are valid across some state lines. Protection orders remain in effect until they are removed by the court, even if the victim consents to contact with the abuser.

Your local domestic violence program or a qualified attorney can help you get a protection order. To find the nearest program offering legal support, see the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence's website at https://ncadv.org/resources. The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) can also provide you with contacts.


Credits for Domestic Violence: Getting a Protective Order

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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