Violence and Abuse

Many jurisdictions do not charge a fee to file for a protection order. If there are associated legal fees, you can request a waiver or seek assistance from legal aid organizations.

The duration of a protection order varies. Temporary orders may last a few weeks, while final orders can last several months to several years. Note that orders can often be extended if necessary.

Domestic violence or abuse includes physical harm, fear of physical harm, sexual assault, emotional abuse, economic control, and other forms of intimidation between family or household members. Emotional or psychological abuse can also be grounds for a protection order in many jurisdictions.

You typically need to file a petition at your local courthouse to obtain a protection order. The specific process can vary, but generally, you'll need to provide details about the abuse and your relationship with the abuser. The court may issue a temporary order for immediate protection and schedule a hearing for a more permanent order.

The Protection from Sexual Violence or Intimidation Act protects individuals who are victims of sexual violence by someone who is not a family or household member. It allows victims to obtain a protection order against the perpetrator.