Domestic Violence
Info Sheet for Self-Help Services - Restraining Orders

Self-Help Services - Restraining Orders

IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER CALL 911


Domestic Violence Is:


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.

A Restraining Order can order the restrained person to:


  • 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.

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


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)


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.


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).


Links to Service Providers:

Related Websites