Restraining Orders

Here are some things you may want to consider doing.  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.
• Be careful as you’re leaving the courthouse.  If you are very fearful, try to leave with someone or speak with the security guard about safety as you leave.  You might also wait a while for the abuser to leave so you don’t run into him/her on your way out.  For more safety tips, see our Safety in Court page.
• Make several copies of the protective 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 and/or work along with a photo of the abuser.
• 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 law enforcement agency, you might want to take one of your extra copies and deliver it to them.

Ongoing safety planning is important after receiving the order.  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 batterers obey protective orders, but some do not.  It is important to build on the things you have already been doing to keep yourself safe.  We have safety planning suggestions on our Safety Planning page.  Advocates at local domestic violence organizations can assist you in designing a safety plan and can provide other forms of support.  To find an advocate in your area please visit the WV Advocates and Shelters page.