If you have been a victim of physical abuse or threatened abuse, you may be able to get a protective order that tells the person who hurt or threatened you to leave you and your children alone. There are various types of protective orders with different rules, so read the instructions carefully or consult an attorney to help you determine the appropriate type of order for your circumstance. You may also want to contact the Domestic Violence center nearest you for immediate assistance (see "Getting Help & Additional Resources" section below).
Family Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA) Restraining Order
This process is intended to provide you with protection from abuse by family, household members, or someone with whom you have had a sexual relationship. The abuse must have been committed within the last 180 days.
Elderly Persons and persons with disabilities abuse prevention act (EPPDAPA)
If you are a person with disabilities, or if you are 65 years of age or older and not a resident of a long-term care facility, you may be eligible for this restraining order. A restraining order is an order of the court that restricts the person named in the order to stop threatening or abusing and to stay away from you.
Sexual Abuse Protective Order (SAPO)
This is available in certain cases where a person was subjected to unwanted sexual abuse by another person who is not a family member or intimate partner.
Stalking Protective Order
You can get a Stalking Protective Order if you and/or a member of your immediate family or household are being stalked. Stalking is usually characterized by a pattern of intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly alarming or coercing another person, or engaging in unwanted and repeated contact.