Domestic Violence- Frequently Asked Questions

A restraining order is a court order that is registered with local law enforcement, and contains orders that are meant to keep the victim safe. Such orders include "do-not-contact" orders and "stay-away" orders, as well as child custody, support, and property orders.

When a current or former spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, someone you have child with, or someone you lived with, or another relative does one of the following:

- physically hurts you or tries to hurt you;

- assaults you sexually;

- threatens you;

- molests, attacks, batters, or strikes you;

- stalks you;

- harasses you, even through phone calls, emails, or other methods;

- destroys your personal property;

- "disturbing your peace," which means destroying your mental or emotional calm