Restraining Orders

You may file for an interpersonal protective order against:

• a current or former dating partner who committed dating violence and abuse against you, which includes stalking and sexual assault; or
• someone who is not a family member, dating partner, or spouse who committed stalking or sexual assault against you.¹

The judge may look at the following factors to decide if you and the abuser have a dating relationship according to the legal definition:

• whether you expressed a romantic interest in one another;
• whether the relationship was characterized by an expectation of affection;
• your attendance at social outings as a couple;
• the frequency and type of interaction between you and the abuser, including whether you have been involved together over time and continuously during the course of the relationship;
• the length of the relationship and how long ago it ended, if applicable; and
• other signs of a substantial connection that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a dating relationship existed.²

An adult may also file on behalf of a minor who qualifies for an interpersonal protective order. The law doesn’t specifically say that the adult has to be the minor’s parent or guardian.¹

In addition, if someone is criminally convicted of any degree of rape, sodomy, or sexual abuse against you or for a criminal attempt, conspiracy, facilitation, or solicitation to commit any degree of rape, sodomy, or sexual abuse, an interpersonal protective order will automatically be issued on your behalf by the court that entered the judgment of conviction unless you request otherwise. In that case, the order can be effective for up to ten years, with the ability to renew it for up to ten years at a time.³

Note: If the person who has sexually assaulted, strangled, or stalked you is a family member or an intimate partner with whom you live(d) or have a child, or s/he is a current/former spouse, you would file for a protective order based on domestic violence instead. Please see Protective Orders / Domestic Violence Orders for more information

¹ KRS §§ 456.030(1); 456.010(2), (7), (8), (9)
² KRS § 456.010(1)
³ KRS § 510.037