A protective order is a civil order that can be obtained if a judge finds probable cause to believe that certain events have happened. One of these conditions needs to have occurred:
- A person or member of the household has suffered physical injury
- A person or member of the household has been threatened with physical injury
- There has been damage or threatened damage to your property
- Continued harassment
Receiving a protective order means the abuser is ordered not to physically hurt you, damage your property, threaten to hurt you or your property, harass you, disturb your peace or cause anyone to do any of the above. A protective order cannot be issued between parties who have a divorce pending; a restraining order is issued instead.
Call the prosecutor’s office to find out where you can get a protective order in your county. You can find the number for your local County Prosecutor in the Government Section of the phonebook.
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