What You Can Do - Order of Protection

An Order of Protection is a legal order from a judge used to help protect victims of domestic abuse. It contains "remedies" which order an abuser to take certain actions or prohibits him from taking certain actions. The abuser, listed as the "respondent," can be arrested for violating certain remedies listed in an order of protection. A protected person cannot be arrested for violating an Order of Protection.

How to Obtain an Order of Protection

An order of protection is available to family or household members who have suffered domestic abuse. Request an Order of Protection by:

  • Contacting a local domestic violence program and asking for help. To locate the nearest program, call 1-800-799-SAFE(7233).
  • Going to the local circuit clerk’s office and asking for help.
  • Asking an attorney to file a petition in civil court (such as divorce court).
  • Requesting an order after criminal charges have been filed.