Restraining Orders

You can file a petition for a protective order at a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, unless you are filing for an emergency protective order or another type of order that is not against a family or household member. Go to the clerk of court and tell him/her you want an application for a family abuse protective order. You can also find links to these forms online by going to our Virginia Download Court Forms page. You can complete the form online and take it with you to the court. For the location of a court near you, go to our Virginia Courthouse Locations page. If you are in immediate danger of abuse and the court is closed, you may get an emergency order by going to the nearest police department. To read more about this type of order, including how long it can last, see What types of protective orders are there? How long to they last?

On the complaint for protective order form, you will be the “petitioner” and the abuser will be the “respondent.” Write about the most recent incidents of violence, using descriptive language - words like “slapping,” hitting,” “grabbing,” threatening,” “choking,” etc. - that fit your situation. Include details and dates, if possible. Be specific.

If you need assistance filling out the form, ask the clerk for help. Some courts may have an advocate who can assist you. Another option is to find help through one of the domestic violence organizations listed on our Virginia Advocates and Shelters page.

Note: Remember to bring some form of personal identification, like a driver’s license or other identification that includes your picture. Do not sign the forms until you are in front of the court clerk when you have completed the paperwork so that they can notarize the forms.