Victim Services

Protective Orders

If you have been a victim of violence, stalking or sexual abuse, or human trafficking you can apply for a protective order to keep your abuser away from you. A protective order is a lawsuit filed in family court that protects you from someone who has been violent or threatened to be violent. They are generally granted for two years but can be longer.

The order can include that the abuser:

• not hurt or threaten you;

• not contact you or go near you, your children, other family relatives, your pets, your home, where you work, or your children’s schools;

• not have a gun or a license to carry a gun; and

• not to track or monitor your personal property or car, or a member of your family or household, by using a tracking device or physically following you directly or through another person.

If the abuser/respondent violates a protective order, they can be arrested and charged with a criminal offense. You cannot be charged a fee for filing, serving, entering a protective order, or for getting additional certified copies of the order. The court may order that the abuser pay any attorney fees (if applicable), and all other fees, charges or expenses incurred in connection with the protective order.

To obtain a protective order, you will first meet with a specially trained domestic violence caseworker or social worker who will assist you with documenting a statement and preparing a file for review by a domestic violence prosecutor. Upon prosecutor approval, an application is filed in family court. You will then receive a letter regarding a court date. It is imperative to attend the court hearing in person or your case may be dismissed.

To find out more information about protective orders, please contact the investigator assigned to your case.