Restraining Orders

Here are some things you may want to consider doing after the judge gives you a protection order. However, you will have to evaluate each one to see if it works for your situation.

• Review the order before you leave the courthouse.  If something is wrong or missing, ask the clerk to correct the order before you leave.
• Make several copies of the protection order as soon as possible.
• Keep a copy of the order with you at all times.
• Leave copies of the order at your work place, at your home, at the children’s school or daycare, in your car, with a sympathetic neighbor, and so on.
• Give a copy to the security guard or person at the front desk where you live or work.
• Give a copy of the order to anyone who is named in and protected by the order.
• If the court has not given you an extra copy for your local police, take one of your extra copies and deliver it to them.
• You may wish to consider changing your locks, if permitted by law, and your phone number.

You may also wish to make a safety plan.  People can do a number of things to increase their safety during violent incidents, when preparing to leave an abusive relationship, and when they are at home, work, and school.  Many abusers obey protection orders, but some do not and it is important to build on the things you have already been doing to keep yourself safe.  Go to our Safety Planning page for more information.