Restraining Orders

These are some things you may want to consider after you have been granted a protective order.  Depending on what you think is safest in your situation, you may do any or all of the following:

• Review the order before you leave the courthouse.  If something is wrong or missing, ask the clerk how to correct the order before you leave.
• Make several copies of the protective order as soon as possible.
• Keep a copy of the order with you at all times.
• You might want to inform your employer, clergy, family members, and/or your closest friends that you have a protective order in effect so that they can be aware of the restrictions on the abuser.
• 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.
• You may wish to consider changing your locks and your phone number.

Ongoing safety planning is important after receiving the order.  Many abusers obey protective orders, but some do not and it is important to build on the things you have already been doing to keep yourself safe.  Click on the following link for suggestions about Safety Planning.  Advocates at local resource centers can help you design a safety plan and can provide other forms of support.  You can find an advocate in your area on the Advocates and Shelters page.