How Restraining Orders Protect Victims of Domestic Violence

What You’ll Learn

1. No Contact with the Abuser

• Understanding the No Contact Rule: Learn how restraining orders prevent the abuser from contacting the victim through any means—phone calls, texts, emails, social media, or in person.
• Immediate Safety: Understand how this provision immediately reduces the victim’s exposure to the abuser and stops ongoing harassment or threats.

2. Stay-Away Orders

• Physical Distance Requirements: Discover how restraining orders can mandate that the abuser stay a certain distance away from the victim’s home, workplace, or other important locations.
• Increased Safety in Daily Life: Learn how this provision ensures the abuser cannot show up unexpectedly or stalk the victim in public spaces.

3. Custody and Visitation Protections for Children

• Protecting Children’s Safety: Understand how restraining orders can temporarily grant the victim sole custody of children involved in the abusive situation.
• Supervised Visitation: Learn how the order can include provisions for supervised visitation, ensuring the abuser doesn’t have unsupervised access to the children.

4. Exclusive Possession of the Home

• Right to Stay in the Home: Learn how restraining orders can grant the victim exclusive possession of the home, allowing them to remain in the residence while the abuser is removed.
• Preventing Forced Entry: Understand how the abuser is legally prohibited from returning to the home, helping the victim feel safer.

5. Preventing Firearm Possession

• Reducing Risk from Weapons: Learn how restraining orders can prevent the abuser from possessing firearms, which is especially important in cases where there are threats or a history of weapon-related violence.
• Increasing Safety: Understand the role of this provision in making the environment safer for the victim and any children involved.

6. Prohibition of Harassment and Threats

• Stopping Abuse and Intimidation: Learn how restraining orders can prevent the abuser from engaging in any form of harassment, including stalking, verbal abuse, or physical threats.
• Emotional and Psychological Protection: Understand how this provision can help mitigate the emotional and psychological damage caused by the abuser’s actions.

7. Legal Consequences for Violating the Order

• Consequences of Violation: Discover the legal penalties that the abuser faces if they violate the restraining order, such as arrest, fines, or jail time.
• Ensuring Compliance: Learn how these legal consequences increase the likelihood that the abuser will respect the terms of the restraining order, offering the victim greater peace of mind.

8. Confidentiality and Privacy Protections

• Keeping Information Safe: Learn how courts can protect the victim’s personal information, including sealing court records and protecting their address from being disclosed.
• Enhanced Privacy: Understand how these protections help prevent the abuser from locating or contacting the victim.

9. Emotional and Psychological Empowerment

• Gaining Control: Discover how obtaining a restraining order can empower the victim by giving them legal recourse to protect themselves and their family.
• Relief from Fear: Learn how knowing the abuser is legally bound to stay away can provide emotional relief and reduce anxiety and fear.

10. Financial and Support Protections

• Temporary Financial Support: Understand how restraining orders can also include provisions for the abuser to provide financial support for the victim or children, such as temporary spousal or child support.
• Emergency Relief: Learn how restraining orders can help facilitate immediate financial and logistical support in cases where the victim needs to leave the home or seek shelter.