Getting a Restraining Order due to Domestic Abuse

Victims of domestic violence do have legal options they can take to protect themselves against their abusers. Understanding what these legal avenues are can make it easier to protect yourself and your family in the future. In every state, you can obtain an order of protection. Upon proving to a judge that someone is threatening your safety, you can request this document. Based on your case, the judge can: order your abuser to move out of your home, stay away from your employment, stay within 100 yards of you at all times, attend counseling, ban the abuser from contacting you and prohibit the abuser from buying a gun.

A restraining order can be either temporary or permanent. In most cases, a judge will order a temporary restraining order that is valid for a period of several weeks or months. You will then be asked to come back to court to revisit the case. At that time, the judge will decide to grant a permanent order or dismiss the temporary order. If you are in need of a restraining order to protect yourself from harm or domestic violence, work with a family law attorney in your state as soon as possible.