Self-Help Services - Restraining Orders

IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER CALL 911

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Domestic Violence Is:

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A domestic violence restraining order is a court order that helps protect people from abuse, and/or threats of abuse from someone they have a close relationship with. Abuse is defined as any of the following:

• Physically hurting or trying to hurt someone intentionally or recklessly;
• Sexual assault;
• Making someone reasonably afraid that they or someone else are about to be seriously hurt (like threats or promises to harm someone); OR
• Behavior like harassing, stalking, threatening, or hitting someone; disturbing someone's peace; or destroying someone's personal property, or impersonating someone on the Internet in order to harm or intimidate them.

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A Restraining Order can order the restrained person to:

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• Not contact or go near you, your children, other relatives, or others who live with you;

• Stay away from your home, work, or your children’s schools;

• Move out of your house (even if you live together);

• Not have a gun;

• Follow child custody and visitation orders;

• Pay child support;

• Pay spousal or partner support (if you are married or domestic partners);

• Stay away from any of your pets;

• Pay certain bills; and

• Release or return certain property.

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Where Can I Get Help with Domestic Violence Restraining Order Forms?

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You may contact the legal services listed on the Restraining Order Resources (pdf ) page to request assistance with filling out forms and other supportive services.

If you think you may be a victim of abuse, please call the National Hotline for additional information at  1.800.799.7233 or  1.800.787.3224 (TDD)

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Online Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Orders:

You can complete and use eSubmit to file your domestic violence forms online. Please print and read these eSubmit instructions (pdf ) before you begin.

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Fillable Form Packets:

Form Packet Name	Form Links	Resources
Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order (with Children)	English (pdf ) Español (pdf )	Complete forms Online (external site ) Referencia en Español (pdf )
Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order (without Children)	English (pdf ) Español (pdf )	Complete forms Online (external site ) Referencia en Español (pdf )
Answer to Domestic Violence Restraining Order	English (pdf )	Complete forms Online (external site )

After completing your forms, use eSubmit to file your Domestic Violence Forms (above).

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Links to Service Providers:

Related Websites

• Probation Approved Batterers Intervention Treatment Programs (external site )
• More Information on Domestic Violence (external site )
• Domestic Violence Shelter Information (external site )
• Domestic Violence Safety Plan Checklist (pdf )
• More Domestic Violence Resources (external site )

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