Domestic violence consists of violence within the family. Anyone seeking a protective order need not be married or residing with the person who they seek the order against. If they share a child or have some other family relationship, they can seek a protective order. For dating violence where the parties do not share a child or do not meet one of the other requirements for a protective order, one may seek a peace order.
Protective Orders are available 24 hours a day. If the court is closed, one may seek an interim order at the Commissioner's Office in your county. This order is good for 2 business days after the court re-opens.
Grounds for a Protective Order are:
- Serious bodily harm
- Threats of serious bodily harm
- Rape
- Attempted Rape
- Assault in any degree
- False Imprisonment
- Stalking
The process can be intimidating, especially if your abuser has told you no one will believe you. You should consult an attorney to determine how best to obtain a protective or peace order. For an overview of what to expect in the process, click the button below for your free download about the protective order process.