DOMESTIC VIOLENCE / GETTING HELP
Click on one of the following for specific areas:
Using the Law to Help You
In an Emergency
Protection at Home
Protection Outside Home
Make Your Family Safer
Safer at Work
Using the Law - Restraining Orders
- You can walk into your local court and ask for a restraining order at any time. You will have paperwork to fill out and will have to appear before a judge.
- The judge may ask you certain questions regarding the abuse and your relationship.
- Ask for a domestic violence or victim advocate at the clerk’s office. If available, they can help you through the court process.
- Ask for help in finding an attorney.
- Tell your local law enforcement agency that you are interested in a restraining order.
In most cases, the judge can...
- Order the abuser to stop hurting you, threatening you, and contacting you.
- Order the abuser to stay away from you and your children.
- Order the abuser to leave your home.
- Give you temporary custody of your children.
- Order the police to accompany the abuser while the abuser picks up personal belongings.
- Order the abuser to turn over any weapons including any that may be used while on the job.
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Make sure to...
- Show the judge pictures of any injuries.
- Tell the judge you do not feel safe if the abuser comes to your house to pick up the children.
- Tell the judge if the abuser has harmed or threatened the children. Ask that the visits are supervised, and provide a name of someone you trust who could be the supervisor.
- Tell the judge about any relevant prior history, including the abuser's criminal history and any drug or alcohol abuse.
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