Should I Get A Restraining Order?

Making the decision to apply for a restraining or protective order can be very difficult. If you have decided to end your relationship, a restraining order can help to reduce or stop the abuse that may happen after a break-up. While a restraining order is not for everyone, it may be the right choice for you.

What Do I Need to Know?

A restraining order makes it a crime for your abuser to come near or contact you in any way. There are many ways that a restraining order can protect you:

• A court order can encourage the police, school officials and other authorities to help protect you from the abuser.
• You do not have to wait for the abuser to hurt you before calling the police - you can call as soon as the abuser contacts you or comes near you.
• Going to court will establish an official record of the abuse.
• You may be able to get custody and visitation orders that also protect your child or children.
• You may be able to make the abuser move out of a home that you share.
• Your abuser may face criminal penalties for contacting you.

While the restraining order is a powerful tool, it can’t guarantee your safety or change your abuser. Here are some other things a restraining order cannot do:

• Guarantee the abuser will be out of your life, especially if you have a child together.
• Guarantee the abuser won't still be able to intimidate, harass or scare you.
• Stop peer or gang retaliation.

What Can I Do?

If you have decided to end your relationship, do so as safely as possible. Learn more about your legal rights and consider making a restraining order part of your safety plan.

Contact Break the Cycle or a local domestic violence agency to talk about your options.